This was an enjoyable read, but nothing astonishing. The plot was interesting and the characters were compelling enough, but I didn’t feel emotionally invested in the story. I think it would have benefited from a little more character development and just overall more detailed writing. Something just felt missing. However I really liked the mythology aspects!

"A lamp can light up the darkness around you, but a story lights up the darkness within."


Aihui Ying. The chieftain's daughter. The high commander. Airships. The Cobra's Order. The Antaran territories. A loved one taken away too soon. Revenge.

The setting is very academic, a trial focused story set in a Asian backdrop including many other candidates - few of which we actually meet, and I would forget at times it was more than the few I heard of in the developing story line.

I adored the little details. The airships. The passion behind the work. The anger and the hesitation and uncertainty at the budding relationship - fragile and new and unbalanced, shaken further with a lie.

A mysterious leather bound book. Ayangya, lightning, her fierce white mare. Sea-bound pirates. A dragon pendant.

The Engineers guild, apprenticeship trial. Chimeras. Dance of A Thousand Flowers. A journal, memories of her father. A murder.

One goal. Become an engineer. Blades. Blood. Rings. A broken heart. Greed. Corruption. Condors. Wishes. Yearning. Beautiful, would definitely recommend 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

This was such a delightful read that I couldn’t put down. The beginning was slow, but once I got deeper I had to finish it in one sitting. I loved the writing style of this author and was constantly wanting to know what came next.

Ying is such a well written strong female main character. She’s fierce and stubborn. I loved how the author wrote the engineering side of things and how Ying thought through different problems. I enjoyed seeing her grow throughout the book and discover the answers to her burning questions.

Ye-yang was also an incredible male lead to go alongside Ying. He was complex and at times a mystery, which was a joy reading. He was both infuriating and lovable in the best ways possible.

My heart sank at times reading their story, and other times I was cheering them on. I would love to see a second book for these two and see how their relationship would develop. I’d also love to see how Ying fares in new challenges if there was a second book. Overall I’d give this a 3.75 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen is a fantasy adventure read that takes place in an Asian-inspired, steampunk aesthetic world. Our main character is Mulan-coded and is passionate about following her father's footsteps to becoming a great engineer and joining the Engineers Guild.

This vibrant story definitely leaned heavily into the YA fantasy genre with a sprinkling of romance subplot. The worldbuilding was light and the story kept a fast pace throughout. I definitely found myself wanting to learn more about this lush world the author created.

Overall, I gave this three stars because I liked it, but I didn't find myself in love with it. I kept waiting for there to be more layers and depths with the characters which kept me from becoming attached. However, I think that if you like YA fantasy adventure and are looking for an easy story to dive into, this is the book for you.

✨ 3.75 on the star scale for me.✨ The book starts out strong. From the first chapter I was intrigued. A young girl who disguises herself as a boy to try and solve her father's murder heads to the Engineer's guild. Ying finds a way to join the Engineer's Guild through Ye-yang; number 8 to the high commander. She faces betrayal and heartache through her journey. Definitely gives off some Mulan vibes. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read and review this eARC. I truly enjoyed the book. I will definitely be looking out for the next one in the series. I can’t wait to see what happens.

It has a beautiful cover but the setup of the book needs some work. I was perplexed about where the book even began and I am sure this is because of it not being finished yet. But the digital copy needs better spacing and clearer-defined chapters. I also feel like I could have used some backstory. Because of these initial issues, I wasn't drawn into the story but it did seem to have detailed writing and an interesting premise. I might be interested in a finished version.

Now THIS is pod-racing!

Thank you to the folks over at Net Galley for an ARC of this book.

When I say this filled the exact niche that Spin the Dawn and A Magic Steeped in Poison left me wanting, I mean that Of Jade and Dragons excelled where the other two fell behind. Elizabeth Lim walked so Amber Chen could run! Through a fascinating silk-punk lend, the enrichment of east-asian culture is brought to life in this murder mystery, gender-defying, fantasy packed with yearning, action, and AGNST.

This is by far the best version of girl-disguised-as-boy conflict I've come across. And what makes it different? The stakes propel the characters forwards, and actually /matter/. There is more than just 'if I get caught' tension, someone is actively seeking to harm her family line in particular, which makes the guise personal, complicated, necessary. We aren't here to win a contest-- I don't think Ying is even playing the same game. Her clever and wild problem solving skills keep everyone guessing, and is crafted as a brutally-honest protagonist.

And whats a good fantasy romance without angst, yearning, that churning of anticipation-- yes it plays out as expected, but that didn't make it any different from what I wanted. This is jam packed with calculating glances caught in a second, the surprised to be holding hands trope, and moments dragged on. Ye-yang is in an interesting situation himself, bearing a burden far beyond his age.

I'd say the only note I had, that may be up to debate: She almost seems written too young to be handling her situation, or is so out of.a social loop that she gets lost easily. Ying always says what she means, at the surprise to everyone around her, and stays true to herself through it all. Her and Ye-Yang sometimes come off as kids just being kids, and I wished they matched the conflict's maturity.

Randomly started this one from my Kindle TBR since I'm looking for a YA fantasy and this one has dragons in the title and this one is such an accurate recommendation if you're looking for something that is synonymous to Mulan.

Of Jade and Dragons started strong with how Aihui Ying's father was found dead by an unknown assasin which triggered the domino that led to Ying taking the matter in her own hands and starting an investigation.

And after sniffing her father's room, it seems that the clues are pointing towards the acclaimed Engineer's Guild - a place where her father thrives until he left to have time with the Aihui family. But the Guild is only accepting male scholars hence Aihui Ying planned to enter the trial under the guise of a young boy named Aihui Min.

From then, Ying encountered a lot of help and struggles but the highlight is when she accidentally crossed path with Yeyang of the Aogiya clan who sponsored her for the Guild's trial.

I really enjoyed the pacing of this book and I'm particularly invested on how Aihui Ying will make it to the Guild's trial and with how she will make it until the end of the program and be certified as an engineer of the empire. Academia + political drama from the Aogiyas = one hell of an adventure that is equally entertaining and thrilling to read.

Aside from that, there is also an element of romance between Aihui Ying and Yeyang which developed unexpectedly and even if their personalities clashed at the start, it was an adventure to read how it bloomed until the end.

Also, the commentary about how our sexist society hurts the women and the deprived is topnotch! When it was comped to Mulan, my expectation is that the book will have this element and good thing it was delivered.

And yes, this is a duology and it sucks that we have to wait for a year before we know what happens next but this one is definitely worth the wait. 4stars!

Thank you Penguin Teen for the e-ARC!

I appreciate the clarification. Let me provide you with a revised review based on the information that it's a single read:

I want to express my gratitude to The Diverse Baseline, Viking Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this delightful book.

Approaching this novel with the lens of my younger self, I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable and fun read. As a devoted Jennifer Dugan fan, I was excited to explore this work by Amber Chen, especially after appreciating the author's short story in the Wilted Pages anthology.

"Of Jade and Dragons" offers a compelling coming-of-age narrative set in an Asian-inspired world, introducing readers to Ying, a strong, intelligent, and relatable female protagonist. The story beautifully weaves together elements of academia, trials, and a mini murder mystery, creating a captivating blend that kept me engaged.

While the writing style is witty and easy to follow, the overall tone remains light, serving as a refreshing palate cleanser between heavier reads. The author's approach to the academic and trials plotline, combined with the subtle introduction of a murder mystery that evolves into something more significant, adds layers of intrigue to the narrative.

However, the story does have its "lite" moments, with solutions to Ying's problems feeling overly convenient. The emotional depth expected after Ying's father's murder is lacking, and the absence of cultural shock for a village girl navigating a big city may seem unrealistic. Additionally, the plethora of trial candidates doesn't leave a lasting impact as the focus remains primarily on Ying and her three friends.

Despite these critiques, the ending, which some may find divisive, resonated positively with me. As a reader older than the suggested age range, I appreciated Ying's steadfastness in standing true to herself and her beliefs on war.

Looking ahead to the sequel, my hope is for a deeper exploration of worldbuilding, delving into more islands within the Antaran Isles, including the Great Jade Empire. Furthermore, a desire for increased airship flying action, with Ying at the helm, would be a thrilling addition.

In conclusion, "Of Jade and Dragons" is a promising debut from Amber Chen, offering fresh ideas, a strong writing style, and a great setup for the sequel. The book showcases the author's potential, leaving me eager to explore more of Chen's future works. A big thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book early in exchange for a review!

I absolutely loved this book! This was such a unique take on adding engineering into a novel and I found it quite compelling to watch Ying grow as a character and engineer. There was definitely some slow bits towards the middle where there wasn't much going on besides the schooling for the trials, but it really picked back up and I was almost sad to reach the end!

Turns out that silkpunk is my new favorite thing, so thank you, Of Jade and Dragons!

This might not be the first Asian fantasy story about a girl who disguises herself as a man, but sets itself apart by being a riotous mix of silkpunk science, political intrigue, and a romance that had me screaming silently the whole time. For how lighthearted the story starts out, the themes get dark with tough questions about what is right and wrong.

I need that sequel asap!

Since the age range for this arc is 12 and up, I'll review this as something my past child self would've loved and devoured in a few days.

Anyway, this was a pretty fun read! I came in with low expectations and walked away wanting more. I read the author's short story in Wilted Pages, a dark academia anthology, and I really liked it, which is why I requested this arc.

This was a fun coming-of-age story with Asian-inspired worldbuilding with a strong, intelligent, and relatable FMC, Ying. (Stubborn young woman who wants a career instead of following the prescribed woman's role of getting married? Big mood.) At times, the writing was witty (in a cute YA way) and made me chuckle. It was very easy to read and follow along.

I really liked the academic/trials plotline combined with the mini murder mystery (that turned into something much bigger, which was even better imo).

And as much as my current adult self wanted more details on worldbuilding and characterization, I ended up liking the arc for what it was. I actually appreciated how the writing style and story wasn't so heavy and depressing. It definitely could've been that way, tone-wise. It was a great palate cleanser between darker and more serious reads.

Which leads into my only criticism that this entire story felt very "lite" and the solutions to Ying's problems were way too convenient. Ying's father was murdered, but it didn't feel like she even mourned him? She's a village girl in a big city, but there was no culture shock?

There were dozens of trial candidates, but it only felt like a handful (Ying and her three friends) because none of them were actually mentioned. The scene at the brothel and the second trial mentioned that Ying and her friends were with other boys in their cohort, but those boys were just faceless entities that I forgot they even existed on page.

Idk, maybe that's just my grown-up self being nitpicky about details. As a child, I probably wouldn't have cared about any of that.

I think some reviewers didn't like the ending, but I liked it. Maybe if I was younger, I would've hated it. But as someone older than the suggested age range for this novel, I really liked that Ying stayed true to herself and stood firmly with her beliefs on war.

I hope the sequel dives a lot more into the worldbuilding. We only see two places in the Antaran Isles, Huarin and Fei, and I'd love to explore more islands, and possibly even the Great Jade Empire.

Oh, and I really want more actual airship flying action (and Ying piloting an airship or something cool) because we barely see any of that here and I know that some reviewers were disappointed by that.

Read this if you love Tamora Pierce's books, Squire by Nadia Shammas, or The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker.

Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this arc.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

I loved OJAD so much! Such a wonderful sci-fantasy that completely transported me to the world Amber Chen created. I loved the characters and the intrigue, but my favourite part was definitely the mechas!

I applied for the ARC to this book because it reminded me so much of Mulan, I was so impressed and awestruck at this fantasy world. There was angst and mystery. It was so easy to read and get lost in. Amber Chen’s words. The politics in this story were cut throat and full of heart pounding moments. Put aside your current TBR and pick up this.

Such a beautiful journey this book gives. I'm so attached to the badass characters I didn't want to put the book down.

Thank you so much to Penguin Group and NetGalley, who provided an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

I LOVED this book!! It was full of adventure, danger, mystery, love, friendship, and fun characters. At first, I found the main character to be acting much younger than her age, but that concern didn't last long. I quickly felt that she was acting appropriately per her lived experiences, and she seemed to mature quickly once exposed to the city and new people. I found the challenge of the Engineers Guild competition to be realistic and engaging, especially her skills and progression in the program. The friendships she makes are heartwarming, and I just overall truly enjoyed all the characters and setting of the book. 

The only thing I didn't love was the ending. No spoilers! I just seem to want a nicely wrapped happy bow at the end of a book, and since this is a series, that didn't happen. That being said, im very excited about the next book and look forward to a hopefully cute and happy ending!! 

Overall, I love the book so much and highly recommend it. This was an easy 5 stars for me, and I will absolutely want a physical copy for my library!

This just wasn't for me. The pacing was off and the ending wasn't satisfying. As far as a debut author, I think this book is fine but I'm not rushing out to recommend it to anyone.

The positives:
The world building was fun.

The negatives:
Weird pacing, Characters you don't get a chance to bond with. Lack luster ending.

This book was really good. I loved the story and the characters were really good as well. The end actually surprised me which doesn’t happen often. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you PenguinTeen for the eARC! OF JADE AND DRAGONS was one of !my most anticipated books of the year and it did NOT disappoint. The book masterfully weaves together a high-stakes, heart-pounding narrative with characters you just can’t help but fall in love with. I absolutely adored Ying, the book’s main character, as she was such a strong-willed and witty character, and I immediately connected with her from the start. ALSO THE ROMANCE?? This was chef’s kiss I was screaming for them to get together 50 pages in and it was just so CUTE. I kid you not I was giggling and kicking my feet in the air.

I highly recommend you all check out this book and it releases june 18th 2024! 4/5 stars!