An amazing action-packed follow up to Ebony Gate! Congratulations Julia and Ken on writing such a strong sequel. I seriously cannot wait to read the next installment.

Still with the same immersive prose, phenomenal fight scenes, stunning Asian culture, and intricate magic system, we follow Emiko, our take-no-shits FMC as she GOES BACK HOME (AHHHH!!!) and deals with the crap she left behind when moving to San Francisco.

We finally see more of what makes her the way she is. Her family background, her culture, HER BROTHER, the extremely complicated family dynamics and inter-clan fighting made for such a stunning exposition into Emiko's character. Having a novel that really introduces who the main character is and her growth, really captured me.

While the majority of my issues with the first novel stemmed from the EG being far too centered in Emiko as the "self" in a way that almost leant to self indulgence, BJ honestly was what I was hoping to read in the first installment. To be honest, I felt almost like the first book was written with scenes from this book in mind so much so that looking back on EG had many scenes making so much more sense in hindsight.

In any case, I can't wait to read Pearl City this coming July!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book better than the first book. The first book our heroine felt so much younger than she was as she was impetuous with no rational thought for the consequences. This book there's more plot and intrigue forcing our heroine to come into her own.

More of her past is revealed which explains her trauma. I don't understand her hang up with her ex though. Nothing has really revealed why she had to leave him when she left her family, but maybe we will get that in book 3. Also her and Adam don't make any sense to me but I guess I'll let it ride.

Really excited for book 3. Ready to see this character grow more.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

While I enjoyed the sequel more than the first one, I still feel this series is falling flat. I'm not seeing any character development. The things that are meant to make the MC quirky are tossed in at such odd points. Also, we get it, she can't travel via portal without being sick, move on. It has yet to actually play a part in anything. The writing itself is fine. I love the culture and lore in the story.

why was this SO RIDICULOUSLY GOOD. I had to read the first in the series to get the background but WOW was this a great read and Emiko is just such a cool character.

Blood Jade was a solid follow-up to The Ebony Gate. This time Emiko Soong travels back to Japan, and chaos follows her. While not as engaging as the first book (I think I like San Fransisco as a location more.) I still enjoyed Emiko discovering secrets from her past and how to use her new powers. I give this book a solid 3.5/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the opportunity to review Blood Jade by Julia Vee & Ken Bebelle.

Blood Jade was an engaging sequel. It was great to learn more about Emiko. She's such a badass character! This book opened up the universe even more, and I cannot wait to see what takes place in the next book. Truly such a fun time reading this series.

An exciting sequel to Ebony Gate that expands on lore, characters, and stakes! I loved getting to see more of the world and Emiko's backstory to round out the series' concept. The fight scenes are engaging, while still showing Emiko's vulnerable side amidst the blood.

Blood Jade does fall prey to introducing too many characters, which bogged down the pacing for me as I tried to keep track of all the clans, but I still felt the high tension. There were some plot points that felt a little too easily solved between book one and book two, and I'm unsure about how the General will fit into the overall endgame. I'll hold out patiently to see what happens in book three of the Phoenix Hoard series.

Book Summary:

Emiko Soong is still adjusting to her new role as the Sentinel of San Francisco. So imagine her surprise when it comes time to travel - to Tokyo. Are Sentintel’s allowed to travel, and if so, what are the consequences of doing so?

Not that Emiko has much time to ponder these questions. She has to go home for her family (her brother) and to protect those around her from a much bigger threat. In doing so, Emiko might just learn something about herself.

My Review:

Yes! The second novel for the Phoenix Hoard is here, and I couldn't be more excited about it. Blood Jade continues Emiko's story, bringing new dangers and powers into the mix. In short, it was everything I could have hoped for.

Ohhh wow. A lot happens in this book. We have new powers, new stakes, and old hurts. Thanks to our writing duo, it's a heady mixture and flows so well. Admittedly, given the new magical information, character development, and dynamic changes, there's a lot to take in. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

The conclusion for Blood Jade really sets up for an exciting sequel. I don't know how many novels the Phoenix Hoard series will be (if you know, don't tell me; I want to be surprised), but I hope I can count on reading it for many more years.

I had previously compared the Phoenix Hoard series to Kate Daniels' world. I still maintain that the overall vibe is there (kick-ass heroine facing up against all odds), but each chapter fleshes out the world and makes it something more standalone. It's more like it's a series to be compared against, not the other way around. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Highlights:
Urban Fantasy
Dragons!
Kate Daniels vibes
Secrets, Lore, and Politics Everywhere

This series is an absolute escapist fun read that I will continue reading whenever new books arrive. I might have enjoyed this Blood JAde more than the original due to the already established world building, the magic portal travel that carried our adventure to Tokyo or maybe the library love and the badass librarian cameo. This is a fun adventurous thrill ride and I am loving the sprawling world it’s constructing.

Another exciting outing with Emiko Soong, expanding the setting as Emiko both learns more about her recent responsibilities as Sentinel of San Francisco, and also returns to Tokyo assist her brother, Tatsuya, in training for a significant magical life event. Emiko not only interacts with individuals from her past -- family, foes, and facilitators -- but also gains more insights into the power dynamics at work among members of the Hoard clans. Also, with full recognition of my privilege, I strongly recommend reading the Phoenix Hord novels with a package or two of Japanese Kit Kats to hand.

I loved this book. The story is so engaging. The story ends with you wanting more and needing to know what happens next but also super curious about some of the other characters which isn’t △⃒⃘lways the case in books. Definitely recommend!

The Phoenix Hoard series is arguably one of my favorite urban fantasy series thus far with its snarky but endearing main character Emiko, a fast-paced action-filled plot, a unique clan-based magic system, and a nuanced portrayal of familial relationships. I thought that Blood Jade, the follow-up to Ebony Gate, shined even brighter as we navigated more of Emiko’s culture and familial influence when she travels to Tokyo to investigate a murder and show support for her brother entering his school competition that will solidify his place in the clan.

I had the honor of dually reading a physical arc provided by Ken BeBelle and Julia Vee and the audiobook, narrated by Natalie Naudus, that was courtesy of Netgalley and MacMillan Audio and it was such a satisfying experience. Natalie Naudus did an excellent job of bringing sharp-witted Emiko and the world she lives in to life, giving each character their own tone and nuance.

I LOVED the deep dive that Blood Jade took into Emiko’s family life and how those relationships shaped who she is and what drives her. It created such an emotional depth to Emiko’s character and helps us understand her and the push and pull of her sense of responsibility and need for independence. The unraveling of family secrets and the complicated family dynamics were fascinating and kept me hooked throughout the story. I will also say that there was such a breadth of magic in this installment with such vividly described mythical/magical creatures and a deeper development of the magic system. Vee and BeBelle's ability to detail every fantastical element with such clarity and imagination makes the magical realm feel incredibly immersive and alive. Also, the deep affection these authors have for their characters and their world is vividly evident on every single page which endeared me as the reader even more to this work.

I am really loving this series and if you enjoy adult urban fantasy I am confident that you will too! I am excited to read the next installment in The Phoenix Hoard series.

When I read Ebony Gate I completely fell in love with this modern fantasy oozing with culture and mythology. Blood Jade picks up right where book one left off and starts full force without letting up until the end. I love Emiko and think that she is such a fantastic character who really grows and steps into her own in this series. I was so excited when she finally figured out why she was "broken" and was thrilled to see how that all played out. The world building in this series is fantastic, everything is so vivid and easy to fall into. There was so much action and so many things packed into this book. It was so neat to see get an in depth look into Emiko's family history and drama and well as get more insight into the different family clans. There is a scene towards the end of the book that is absolutely stunning I don't want to give anything away but I was absolutely enthralled. And that ending eeeeek! I will be waiting somewhat patiently for the next book because I have to know what is in-store for Emiko next!

I enjoyed this follow-up to 'The Ebony Gate'. We saw Emiko developed more as a character, and got more of her backstory that helped to explain the dynamic between herself and her family.
The action in this book was non-stop and I was legitimately worried about Emiko's mortality at several times, because her adversaries this time around were much closer to home, and knew her fighting style intimately.
Several side characters in the first book were more a part of the plot, and new characters were introduced that made the story more interesting..
I would highly recommend this one if you're looking for a fantasy that is easy to read, great world building and a plotline that isn't convoluted.

Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle send Emiko Soong on a second adventure, this time to her ancestral home in Japan where her father is head of their clan. She has to master her new Sentinel abilities, and also stop an assassin who can attack from any shadow from killing her friend and her brother. Her brother is going through a major testing that will determine his rank in their society. There’s a hidden General behind the assassin, and the Sentinel of Tokyo has gone mad from too much Blood Jade(hard from Tor) Lots of fun and I look forward to further adventures.

If you loved Jade City by Fonda Lee and really miss that kind of vibe in your fantasy books - you will find much to love here. Blood Jade delivers even more engaging characters, in my humble opinion, but a little lighter urban fantasy experience.

Blood Jade is a stellar follow-up to Ebony Gate. It dives even deeper into the intricate world. The world-building in this installment is nothing short of spectacular, expanding on the themes and family complexities introduced in the first book. Emiko continues to shine as a multifaceted character, balancing her badass exterior with a relatable vulnerability. Love heeeer!!!

The plot is dense and gripping, with Emiko drawn into a murder investigation that hits close to home. The investigation takes her back to Tokyo, unraveling family secrets and forcing her to confront her past. The stakes are high, with her duties as Sentinel and her personal loyalties colliding in intense and compelling ways.

One of the highlights of this book is how it focuses on Emiko’s journey without forcing a romantic subplot. There IS some romance and emotional bonds, but they aren't just shoehorned in. It's a slow burn and the story absolutely comes first, which I adore. This choice allows the story to remain centered on Emiko's growth and the larger narrative. Emiko’s link to those she has feelings for, while present, doesn’t overshadow her own story, and this balance is well-executed. As someone who typically LIKES romance in their stories, this is a tribute to how much I adore the characters. I'm willing to wait and I'm eager to discover how things will shake out.

This is one of the best urban fantasy series out there. The only downside is that I deeply missed Freddie, but the story is so captivating that it more than makes up for it. This sequel surpasses the original, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Thanks to the authors for sending me a PR package and to Netgalley/Tor for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.

3.25 ★

I genuinely liked the concept of Phoenix Hoard as a trilogy. It is a nod to Japanese and Chinese diaspora, it involves elements of Asian folklore, intricate clan politics, and thrilling, action-filled storytelling. However, I believe my time with this series is done, because though I had fun with certain parts, I had trouble with the lengthy, significantly slowed down the pacing of the book so I skimmed through many parts. I would still recommend this because almost all of Asia finally got featured in a fantasy book, which is no small feat, given that East Asia normally gets highlighted. But instead, the writers were able to incorporate a few characters from SEA, South Asia, and more. The story mostly emphasizes power play and plot has gotten significantly thicker with no clear villain in sight, which I find interesting.

As an Asian myself, I have a clear understanding and respect for Emiko’s responsibilities as not only the former Butcher, but as the now Sentinel of San Francisco. I could also see myself in the way she navigates her life and duties. SHE IS VERY RELATABLE.

I understand other readers’ excitement for this book, but its best part is that a lot of eldest daughters and achievers of the family would empathize with her character because she is folklore’s mirrorball on steroids with an obsession for KitKats. I also think that Emiko has a very colorful personality and her comebacks at most were hilarious.

Thanks so much to Tor, Netgalley, and Ken Bebelle and Julia Vee for the chance to review this book, all opinions are my own.

Hopefully anyone reading this review has already read Ebony Gate (because spoilers for book 1 ahead)!

I thought Ebony Gate was such a fun book and I couldn't wait for more. I'm not usually a fan of urban fantasy (it can get super tropey and formulaic) but Ebony Gate managed to walk the line between exciting, fast paced story, and rich world building and interesting characters. And some fun sword fights! Blood Jade took all of this and turned the volume up to 11!

The beginning of Blood Jade sees Emiko embracing her role as sentinel of San Francisco and figuring out her new powers. Of course she can't stay in SF where things are easy for her, she has to go to Japan to support her brother and also figure out who is trying to murder Fiona Tran! From there things get crazy and you meet a whole new set of characters and the drama really begins. This part of the book totally gave me Jade City vibes and I was here for it. Sometimes warring families/gangs can again feel formulaic but the authors did a great job of tying the drama between families into some really cool world building and I found myself wanting to meet more and more new characters just to gain a deeper understanding of the world.

The pace of the entire book was perfect, there was never a moment where I was bored with filler or wanted the pace to slow down so I could follow what was going on. I loved that we gained knowledge along with Emiko and also gained a richer understanding of the Jiaren world. I loved meeting all of the new characters (especially Emiko's brother) and getting to see more mythological creatures. And of course all of the fun twists were great. I'm so excited for book 3!

“All at once the soft touched reminded my that chains were still chains, even when they were chained with love and duty.”
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, Blood Jade

Blood Jade, Book 2 of the Phoenix Hoard, by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, continues the journey of Emiko Soong, the new Sentinel of San Francisco, as she navigates the complexity of this role, returning home to Tokyo after two years of self-imposed exile, and facing the demons of her past. This book was very different from Ebony Gate, but no less of an exciting fantasy that drew me in and once again immersed in Emiko’s world. I loved every moment, and being “back” felt like seeing old friends. Ms. Vee and Mr. Bebelle are masters at creating an edge-of-your-seat fantasy, with Emiko juggling so many obstacles. In Blood Jade, in addition to learning about her Sentinel power, Emiko must return home to help her brother train for the Lóng Yá, seeing her father and clan for the first time in two years, the ongoing issue with Adam displaying the Crimson Cloud Splitter Sword, and dredging up of memories of her being a failure at school and having no magic. To complicate matters even more, an assassin is after her and Fiona Tran, the flamboyant and outgoing head of Tran Clan, whom we met in Ebony Gate. I loved every moment of this book. Emiko continues to be both a brilliantly written and endearing character. Ms. Vee and Mr. Bebelle create an immersive world in Tokyo where we can clearly imagine the taste of the food, the beauty of the clothing, the hoard jewels of each clan, and of course, the Dragon magic that the clan members possess. Blood Jade continues the fantastic story of The Phoenix Hoard series, still rife with magic, swords, the hero’s journey, martial arts, and richly developed characters. I cannot recommend this book and series enough.
When I read Ebony Gate, Emiko Soong fast became one of my favorite characters in fantasy. In her, Ms. Vee and Mr. Bebelle created a complex, thought-provoking character. In Blood Jade, her arc continues to grow, especially now that she has taken the mantle of the Sentinel of San Francsico. Her past is behind her and this is a new beginning for her, even if she does have to return to Tokyo for a short period of time. I loved that she is becoming closer to Freddy Tran, Fiona’s brother, and he encourages her to “loosen up,” taking her kite boarding. Emiko is becoming friendlier with Fiona, and while she still feels pangs of jealousy that Fiona is dating her ex, Kamon, she can now be on friendly terms with him as well. She is opening herself more and realizing that she can have true friends. This was something she could not afford as the Soong Clan’s Blade and The Butcher of Beijing. She will always honor and protect her clan and family, but she is no longer their weapon.
As Jiārén, clan members have various types of magic, as illustrated in Ebony Gate. We know that Emiko’s meridians are blocked, cutting off access to any magic she may have had. Now, as the Sentinel, the magic of the city courses through her, making her feel the city and accessing its power, even though her meridians are still blocked.

“My meridians were so blocked and twisted that I could barely do the basic things other Jiārén took for granted…
But now, with the mantle of the Sentinel, I’d tapped into a wellspring of power bigger than I ever could have imagined. It was like going from riding a bike to suddenly piloting a rocket ship.”
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, Blood Jade

Emiko is not a stagnant character. She grows and is slowly learning that she can have the happiness that was denied to her all those years. It is very realistically done as well. When a person has closed themselves off to emotion for so long, they are not suddenly going to love to being hugged or used to overtures of affection. It’s a learning curve for Emiko, but she is finding that moments of affection are comforting, and she is returning those hugs, albeit awkwardly at first. Fiona is a larger than life, outgoing personality, and I think Emiko has the hardest time dealing with her for many reasons. She loves high fashion, and Emiko sees her as perfectly beautiful, and the ease at which she leads her clan. Fiona is more likely to hug and give “air kisses” (which Emiko hates!), calls her Mimi (which Emiko also hates!), and push through her barriers. When Freddy asks Emiko to protect Fiona in Tokyo while at the Lóng Yá, she cannot deny him.

““Emiko, do you remember when I told you about my Lóng Yá?...
I lost a lot of friends that year. All of them due to their families trying to outplot the others.”
Freddy pointed a finger at me and Fiona… “It’s happening here. This is how it starts. Everyone trying to get an edge over everyone else.”
Fiona huffed. “Freddy-.”
Freddy cut her off. “No Fiona. It doesn’t have to be like this-all these deals and obligations.”…
“We’re friends’ Lets act like it.”…
“Emiko, I have to stay in San Francisco while Fiona goes to Lóng Yá. Can you do me a solid and watch her back while she’s there?””
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, Blood Jade

I loved “Can you do me a solid?”! It’s so on point with Freddy’s personality. After this, we don’t see him as the remainder of the story takes place in Tokyo. Besides the Trans, the other supporting characters are back, along with some new ones. The new supporting characters are those we meet in Tokyo. These are old relationships that Emiko needs to face, and even her relationship with Adam becomes strained. Each character is beautifully crafted and they have their own unique form of magic as they are all Jiārén.
Adam and Emiko continue the contentious subject of displaying Crimson Cloud Splitter Sword at the museum. Emiko knows it will put him and the family who entrusted it to him in danger. Once the other Jiārén were aware of it, they would kill to have it in their Hoard. Adam will not listen, and forces Emiko’s hand to reveal the world that she is from, and the fact that her clan has extended protection over him. These interactions are fraught with anger. It was a great addition to the narrative to see their relationship explored more.
Much of the story takes place in Tokyo. Emiko promised her brother Tatsuya to help train him for the Lóng Yá, a contest that takes place at the end of his education. Her return home fills her with anxiety and she is unsure of how or if she will be welcomed. Tatsuya was happy to see her, and they get along so well. Her father, Zhénmíng, is very stoic and calculating, and Emiko was the most anxious at seeing him again.

“My father did not acknowledge my entrance.
He was dressed much more formally than I would have expected for a family dinner…
His eyes did not leave the paper. “Sit, Mimi.”
I knelt opposite him and waited in silence…
He turned to me and looked at me in the eyes for the first time in two years…
His eyes traced the length of my braid with the haphazard streak of white running through it [her mark as Sentinel]. The corner of his mouth twitched a micrometer. “It suits you.””
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, Blood Jade

While her father shows little warmth, it is clear he loves his children. It is simply his way not to outwardly show emotion or directly give praise. As Emiko tells him of the Shinigami, the events that happened, and losing her sword, Truth, his reaction is stoic and having an answer for everything, despite Emiko’s anger. She notes “This was my father’s twisted way of finding a silver lining.” Her father did give her a wonderful gift. He re-charged her pendant so she could have Bāo back! Oh, how I missed Bāo!
“The next moment my foo lion burst free from my hands. I knelt to wrap my arms around Bāo’s neck and tangle my fingers in his golden mane…The warmth of my lion chased away the hunger inside me.”
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, Blood Jade
The unique magic system was still very much a part of the story. In the Lóng Yá tournament, the competitors will be able to use their talents. It is a dangerous and often deadly tournament. Tatsuya has powerful earth magic, but he is also kind and caring. While he was not afraid of the tournament itself, he did not want to harm the people who had become his friends. He was a gentle soul amid clans who would do anything for power, and he was one day going to lead the Soong Clan. I am curious to see if he takes the lead and what kind of leader he will be. It was once again amazing to see the clan magic at work.
The world in Tokyo where the clans resided was nothing short of brilliant. Ms. Vee and Mr. Bebelle created such an immersive world, it made me feel like I was there. The detailed descriptions of the food left my stomach grumbling from hunger. I wanted to eat so much; I could practically taste it. The clothing was beautifully described, with rich embroidery with clan colors and jewels. Emiko’s formal attire was more understated, but no less gorgeous with embroidered dragons and pearls woven into the fabric, signifying her clan. The beautiful gardens of her home, the schools, and the clan area was magical. Her family gardens, with beautiful trees and flowers, were so easy to picture walking through and having a sense of immense peace. Each place was unique, drawing the reader into the deceptively beautiful world, where life and death deals are made. The juxtaposition was perfect.
So, why is this called Blood Jade? Each clan has a Hoard of jewels with one jewel unique to the clan, and they possess other valuables as well, A central tenet is to protect the hoard. The Soong Family has pearls. However, many own what is called “Blood Jade,” that can boost magic, but at a price. Using it too much causes blood jade madness, which can eventually kill the user. Using this as the backdrop, the main crux of the story is Emiko trying to find the assassin who is after her, Fiona, and her brother. She finds out about a mysterious “General,” who seems to be pulling the strings behind it all. She has quite a bit on her plate in Tokyo. I loved her interactions with her family and the other clans. Some ignored her, thinking her a disgrace for leaving The Jōkōrūkai, the school where she was trained as the Butcher of Beijing. She refused to take the final oath and left. Meeting her former teachers was especially difficult. Through this journey, Emiko learns much about herself and can finally let go of her past and be at peace as the Sentinel. She learns about friendship and trust. It continues to be Emiko’s hero’s journey. And an amazing one at that.

Overall Thoughts
Blood Jade, the second book in The Pheonix Hoard Series, was thrill ride through Tokyo of magic, swords, ancient artifacts, and ultimately finding the assassin sent to kill her, her brother, and Fiona Tran. At its heart, it also the story of Emiko coming to terms with being the Sentinel of San Francisco, facing a past she left behind two years ago, as she returns to Tokyo to help train her brother for the Lóng Yá tournament. Most of the story takes place in Tokyo, and Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle created a beautiful immersive world of the clans. Old friends return, notably Freddy and Fiona Tran, and Adam. We also meet Emiko’s family, and learn of her complicated past and how she is treated among the clans. Emiko is a strong character and has grown since Ebony Gate, and while some of the interactions are not pleasant, it gives her the closure she needs to move forward. It is a beautifully crafted story, rife with plot twists and turns, and Emiko navigating the assassin, her contentious relationship with Adam over the display over Crimson Cloud Splitter Sword, and seeing her family after two years. There were moments that brought tears to my eyes, moments of joy, and edge-of-your-seat excitement. I absolutely loved Blood Jade and the continuation of Emiko’s journey. I highly recommend both Blood Jade and Ebony Gate. You will not be disappointed!