i liked it but i hoped for more, the beginning did take me a little time to get into but eventually i started liking it a lot, the writing was really lush.

i will be looking forward to the books written by the author in the future

Turns out, I dove into a historical escape that sparkles with fierce ambition, artful craft, and the high-stakes world of jewelry-making in 1920s Shanghai. What hooked me was how the story moves from a snowy border to gilded showrooms and shadowy streets, watching a gutsy young orphan shape her destiny with nothing but her skill and grit is downright inspiring. There are underworld dangers, fierce rivals, and obsession that grip you as tightly as any gem, plus heartfelt relationships and moral complexities that give the glitter real weight. It's the kind of book that feels like holding a hidden treasure in your hands, both dazzling and deeply human.

Weina Dai Randel is a great story teller. The Master Jeweler is historical fiction at its best.

This book includes history of Russia, China, Japan and Hong Kong.. The book starts out in China in 1925. But the Russian history goes back to 1917 and the Russian Revolution. This story included information about the Japanese control in China and how they treated the Chinese people. This story is also about art - designing jewelry and the Faberge eggs. The history of the Russian royal family and the description of the beauty of the eggs inspired me to go find more information and pictures. They are just stunning!

The main character is very talented and inspired to be a master jeweler. This is another story about a woman that has skills to do a job that only men usually do. The relationships in the book are realistic, interesting and sometimes sad. People can be so cruel. The careers of the master jewelers include mystery and suspense. They deal with very expensive materials to make their works of art. This book has many kind characters, but like the world we live in, also very evil people.

The Master Jeweler completely swept me away. I loved following Anyu’s journey from the snowy streets of Harbin to the glittering but dangerous world of Shanghai’s jewelry scene. The story is full of tension and intrigue—gangsters, rivals, and collectors all make for a high-stakes backdrop that keeps you turning pages. Anyu herself is such a compelling protagonist: determined, fearless, and incredibly talented, yet still very human in how she struggles with trust, ambition, and loss. The descriptions of jewelry-making are gorgeous, and I felt like I could almost see and touch the pieces she crafted. Beyond the glamour, the novel also gives a sense of the world Anyu navigates—the politics, the danger, and the personal relationships that shape her. It’s a thrilling, immersive read, full of ambition, courage, and a real sense of place.

DNF at 57% for triggering content. (nondescript details below)

This took me a while to review, partially because I was busy, but partially because I needed to separate myself from the book first.

I've really been wanting to get into more Asian fiction, because what I've read of it is generally interesting, and Asian history is something that I'd like to know more about. So, when I saw this on NetGalley, and it was available to read, I was quite excited. The cover is BEAUTIFUL, and the premise sounded rather interesting.

Well, it took some turns I wasn't expecting, and that made me, frankly, quite uncomfortable.

The first chapter started strong: it made me curious, and the prose was beautiful. The next couple of chapters, also, were interesting. After that, though...

One thing I need to mention, is that I was surprised to see that I made it past the 50% mark. It felt like I was still in the first third of the book. I still hadn't grasped what the main conflict was. I was thinking it was her learning to be a jeweler, but that came and went, as did her becoming a master jeweler. It was just so dreadfully slow. It wasn't living up to the description, at least to me.

That wasn't the main reason I DNF'ed it, however--though it was a qualm. It was some content things.

It started with the brothel scene. I was not expecting such details, especially since the MC was a teenage girl. I was able to skim that part, and it made me think twice, but I figured that might be it and I continued.

The tone only got darker after that. The MC was starting to get a bit... Annoying, and then... The whole thing with Bellefeuille is what did it for me. There was another scene that made me uncomfortable, and then a comment that very blatantly alluded to sex, and then--what did it for me--was a scene with a miscarriage, which actually turned out to be an abortion.

I don't like to read sex scenes, they make me extremely uncomfortable. But I cannot bear anything having to do with pregnancy complications. I'm a bit squeamish as it is, and have a tendency to pass out when I get the nitty gritty details on health-related things. I was close to it upon reading that, and I was actually in a funk for a couple of days after that, because I couldn't get it out of my head.

So, I just really wish there had been some kind of trigger warning, or at least something in the blurb that might hint that it wouldn't be the best read for sensitive readers. I haven't even seen any other reviews mentioning triggers, so if you're sensitive to the stuff I am, consider yourself warned. What I read of this book just wasn't doing anything good for my spirit, and that sad scene put the nail in the coffin.

***I received an ebook ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are my own honest opinion.***

In this fascinating new historical fiction novel from Weina Dai Randel, readers follow Anyu Zhang from Harbin, China, to Shanghai as she tracks down fugitive master jeweler Isaac Mandelburg and the Faberge egg he possesses. Introduced to the secretive and greedy world of jewelry through Isaac, Anyu quickly rises to the challenge of becoming a master jeweler, but she soon discovers that the city’s underbelly penetrates into her workplace and her professional rivals seek to exploit her talent. Crossing China and exploring the perseverance of a young woman, readers will love this incredibly detailed and emotional new historical fiction novel. The characters are the absolute stars of the book, as their complex characterizations and relationships really bring the story and complicated world of jewelry to life. The settings of Harbin and Shanghai are really detailed and complex, and the many worlds operating in Shanghai really bring the right levels of drama and intensity into the story. The attention to detail is absolutely fantastic, and the characters and settings combined create a fantastic world that historical fiction fans will love. Brilliantly written, packed with incredible details, and brought to life by an incredible cast of characters, readers will love this incredible new novel of interwar Shanghai from Weina Dai Randel.

“The Master Jeweler” is the first book I have read by acclaimed novelist Weina Dai Randel, but I certainly hope it isn’t the last. I enjoyed it from its first, intriguing lines to its infinitely satisfying last ones. In between I was beguiled by 350 pages of unimaginable twists and turns, including innumerable instances of love, betrayal, loss, wars, treachery, death, tragedy, heroism, heartbreak, horror, despair, and redemption. I am grateful to NetGalley for giving me an advanced reader’s copy of the novel, and my opinions are voluntary. Now that I’ve had a taste of Ms. Randel’s writing, I not only hope to read some of her prior works but also look forward to reading more of her new stories in the future.

“The Master Jeweler” is a novel that is sweeping in its scope and packs so much into its relatively short space that only a brilliant writer could accomplish such a feat. When first introduced to the plucky main character as a fifteen year old girl, who seems wise beyond her years and honest to a fault, I couldn’t help but to become attached to her and root for her, as eventually do most of the other characters in the novel. Whatever hardships or obstacles thrown in her path, her optimism rarely waivers, and ultimately she prevails with grit, determination, and hard work. The book provides a brief, interesting history lesson regarding the Japanese takeover of China before World War II and its invasion of Hong Kong during the war, as well as how various wealthy foreigners and gangsters lived and thrived in parts of China before the Japanese.

Set against the glittering yet treacherous backdrop of early 20th‑century China, the novel tells the story of Anyu Zhang, a determined orphan from Harbin. After returning a priceless Fabergé egg to a stranger—Isaac Mandelburg, a fugitive former jeweler of the Russian imperial court—she embarks on a journey to Shanghai to become his apprentice and forge her own destiny through mastery of jewelry-making. From glamorous showrooms to gang-ruled streets and wartime Hong Kong, Anyu’s rise unfolds amid dangerous loyalties, war, artistry, and heartbreak.

In 1925 Harbin China, Anyu finds a Faberge egg which she returns to the owner Isaac Mandelburg. Grateful for her honesty he gives her his address and assures her that she is welcome to stay at his house should she ever visit Shanghai. Later orphaned Anyu takes up his offer and arrives at his jewellery shop. Anyu wants to master the craft of jewellery making and nothing will deter her from this ambition. Soon she discovers this dazzling world full of greed and secrets. Her path results in her entanglement with the cities treacherous underbelly. This is her journey as told by Randel.

Exquisitely told Randel captures Anyus trauma perfectly. I couldn’t help empathising with the main protagonist but also the whole Mandelburg family. Randel poignantly captures the Hebrews plight. Despite being a harrowing story, she tells it with sensitivity without compromising the premise in the telling. As the tapestry of Anyus life unfolds I moved seamlessly from Harbin China to events in Russia that had impacted the Mandelburg family. Randel weaves the tale with such verve that I was enraptured. The tragic events that befell Anyu moved me greatly.

I learned a lot about the Hebrews and their suffering and also the double standards of the British Empire towards the indigenous folk. Randel made her point subtly and they hit their mark with me. This is what I particularly loved about her writing. This subtlety pervades the entire book without glossing over hard truths. Moreover, despite the blurb I could not have guessed how Anyu and the Mandelburgs lives entwined, It was unexpected and added to the mystery.

It’s to Randels credit that I was totally immersed in the book. The tale was so riveting I couldn’t put it down. Sadly, this was an extremely long book, and I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer or I would have finished it in one sitting. I’m not however complaining as I enjoyed every moment in the novel. I feel privileged to read a well written book. Kudos to Randel for her evocative creation and a big thank you from me.

The Master Jeweler
By Weina Dai Randel

This is the story of Anyu, the illegitimate daughter of a Chinese woman and a Manchurian warlord. Raised in poverty by her abandoned mother, Anyu has a chance encounter with a Russian man at the Harbin railroad station which will change the course of her life.

When Anyu's mother dies, Anyu, in desperation, follows Isaac Mandelburg (the Russian Jew) to Shanghai. Under Isaac's tutelage Anyu becomes a master jeweler.

But always in the background of Anyu's story is war. Throughout her life China, is repeatedly invaded by the Japanese. She is forced to flee several times. She is imprisoned and forced to make jewelry and fake Faberge eggs for her captors. She loses everything – including the two men that she loved. But always there is her art.

There is much history in this book. In the first half of the twentieth century, China was in a constant state of flux. The suffering of the Chinese people is well documented here. But the will to survive is strong as Anyu's story will attest.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

In 1920s Shanghai, 15-year-old Anyu Zhang discovers a priceless Fabergé egg and returns it to Isaac Mandelburg, a former master jeweler for Russia's imperial palace. He takes her under his wing, and Anyu becomes determined to master the craft of jewellery making. As she rises to fame in the treacherous world of Shanghai's jewellery scene, she faces violent gangsters, ruthless rivals, and obsessive collectors who threaten the people she loves. This epic story encapsulates love, friendship, and the pursuit of excellence in a glamorous yet perilous world.

Shanghai's jewellery scene in the 1920s and 1930s was a vibrant blend of traditional Chinese and modern Western influences. Artisans and designers drew inspiration from various cultures, creating intricate pieces that showcased technical skill and creativity.
- *Traditional Techniques*: Chinese jewellery making has a rich history, with techniques like filigree, inlaying, jade carving, and cloisonné being passed down through generations.
- *Western Influence*: Shanghai's exposure to Western cultures led to the incorporation of modern designs and techniques in jewellery making.
- *Symbolism*: Chinese jewellery often featured symbolic motifs like dragons, phoenixes, and flowers, representing good fortune, prosperity, and love.
Beneath the glamour, Shanghai's underworld was notorious for its complexity and violence, with gangsters, prostitution, and opium leading to corruption and fear.

The House of Fabergé was a renowned Russian jewellery firm that created iconic, intricate eggs.
- *The Imperial Fabergé eggs*, e.g. Fabergé Pearl Egg, are highly prized for their craftsmanship and historical significance.
- *Women Workmasters*: Alma Pihl was a talented jewellery designer who worked for Fabergé, creating pieces like a pendant featuring frost flowers made of platinum silver and diamonds.
Master Jewellers are exceptional craftsmen, detail oriented, and knowledgeable.

Yoshiko Kawashima, a Qing dynasty princess, lived a complex life as a spy for the Japanese Kwantung Army and Manchukuo during the Second Sino-Japanese War. She lived like a man.She was executed as a traitor by the Chinese in 1948.

Not really a review, as I gave up after four chapters. I must admit that I am an impatient reader.

Beautiful cover, intriguing title, interesting blurb & setting, and neat writing. It, in fact, reminded me of a book (from the very same publishing house) that I loved. However I could not connect with the storytelling and the characters. The dialogues were not very engaging.

Thank you for the copy. Sorry it didn't work for me.

This historical fiction novel takes the reader on a journey throughout Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s when a Russian refugee family takes in Anyu it takes her on a journey of finding her abilities to become a master jeweler but that leads her to some dark and sinister characters leading to the upheavle of the Japanese army invading China at the brink of WWII. An amazing journey for the reader and an epic coming-of-age adventure.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

A historical fiction that takes readers from Harbin, China, in 1925 to Shanghai to Hong Kong in the 1950s. Anyu Zhang, our female protagonist, comes to the aid of Issac Mandelburg, a fugitive and master jeweller, one winter night. In thanks, Isaac gives Anyu his address in Shanghai and offers her hospitality should she ever visit the city. As fate would have it, Anyu soon finds herself an orphan when her mother dies. So she heads to Shanghai. While Issac's family members are unsure of the outsider, Anyu begins working in their jewelry shop. This will set her on a path of dazzling jewelry, lifelong friendships, and even love.


Weina Dai Randel is a fantastic author. If you are a lover of historical fiction, then you need to add her books to your ever-growing TBR. This is my third read of one of her titles( The Last Rose of Shanghai and Night Angels being the other two), and once I start reading them, I cannot stop. The Master Jeweler had all the elements that would also make an interesting movie. Anyu is a flawed character- she speaks without thinking and is persistent, much to the annoyance of the other characters. But she loves deeply and makes mistakes, and sometimes this costs her a lot of happiness. Sometimes my reaction was to groan and say " Oh, Anyu," but it's her story, and I had to let her live it.

Don't forget to add Weina Dai Randel to your reading list!





#TheMasterJeweler #NetGalley
Publication Date 24/06/25
Goodreads Review 01/08/25

a gripping read with a unique story set in 1920s-30s china.
the master jeweler follows anyu, a poor young girl who has a tough childhood, but everything changes after she returns a mysterious item dropped in the snow. this simple act of kindness leads to a new life for her in shanghai. iit’s a powerful tale of love, loss, resilience, and transformation.

An exciting page-turner, with a really unusual storyline. Set in China in the 1920s – 30s, we follow the life of a penniless young Chinese girl Anyu, and her initially challenging and tragic childhood, which takes an unexpected turn after picking up an unusual item dropped in the snow at a station and returning it to its owner.
This good deed forges a change in her fortunes and leads her to a new life in Shanghai. This delightful tale teaches us much of the history of China at the time, with rise of opposition from the Japanese army. More than this, we learn about the trade of silversmithing and training to be a master jeweller, and fashion trends of the time, and the fierce competition between rival jewellers of different nationalities.
It is a tale of exile, of love and loss, of generosity and the strength to keep going. It is highly exciting and very well told.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the arc

OMG! One of my fave books of the year!

Historical fiction is far from my fave genre, but this one has enough background to feel transported immediately to China after WWI, but without delving too deep into geopolitical affairs.

The characters were so compelling and well characterized. Although those who were the "bad" ones sometimes felt a little bit too cartoonish, everyone had a role to play in the story, and within a few pages, you could understand and connect with them immediately. Anyu's arc is so well done, we follow her for decades and you undertand her motives, even when she's making a mistake, which tells you how good her character is. She might have a gift for crafting jewerly, but her resilience is her best quality.

I couldn't put this book down because of how addictive it was! It's very fastpaced, with lots of turns and moments where you hold your breath, waiting and fearing what would happen next. It's very telling how much research the author did, and I appreciate that all the information (like the process of jewelry crafting, historical facts, and physical descriptions) was just enough, and not excessive.

The found-family aspect and overall message made me so happy (which is why some scenes hurt so badly)

Lastly, the ending is perfection!!! and I'll be thinking about it for a long time :')

I really enjoyed this story, Weina Dai Randel is a new author for me and I shall now be looking out for what else she has written.

This is the story of Anyu, orphaned in early 20th century China. Travelling from the harsh winters of Harbin to Shanghai, Anyu crafts a new life for herself as a jeweler. The details of the jewellery – including the exquisite Faberge eggs – is fascinating, but the thrill and pace of the story as it gets mysterious and dangerous adds for some great excitement.

I struggled so much with this book that it put me into a reading slump. There were several times when I wanted to shelve it as DNF, but I persisted.

The book's cover may look impressive, but the actual content isn't. The book started off well but then soon lost all focus. The main character Anyu was dislikable - she lacked emotional depth and I really didn't care for her at all. I did appreciate the historical background and the details when it came to the description of jewellery but that was about it.

The writing and the plot were all over the show. There were many time lapses and just too many things happened; half the time, Anyu seemed to be playing detective.

I really enjoyed this book! The historical fiction was rich and well-written, and the story pulled me in. Anyu started off super annoying, but I loved her character development through the second half of the book.
I wasn't a fan of the age-gap romances, and all the deaths were disappointing, but they did make the story more emotional and intense. Overall, a great, dramatic book with strong writing and a satisfying ending.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Weina Dai Randel for an ARC of this book!