I'm so behind on my reading that it's honestly embarrassing.

Went to read this one only I cannot find the file on my kindle and its archived. I have a hardback version so will read that and update once I've read.

I was convinced I would adore this based on the summary (and that absolutely divine cover!). Unfortunately, something about the writing style and characters did not quite click with me. I apologise I had to put the book down, as after several attempts to get into this, after 100 pages this still was not working for me. I’m sure this was a “it’s me, not you” situation as I could see this working for other readers of YA Fantasy, especially those new to the genre and less familiar with some of the tropes featured here.

Thank you so much to Hodder and Stoughton for the earc of this book.

Whilst I really wanted to love it sadly I just couldn't get into the book. At around 100 pages I admitted defeat and put it down. I am truly sorry.

For me I just didn't gel with the characters and I found I just didn't want to find out what happened next, which is such a shame as I was really looking forward to reading Jade Fire Gold.

This was one of my years anticipated reads and it did not let me down. I love when books are based in cultural mythology so I knew that Jade Fire Gold would be up my alley. I loved the world and June CL Tan did an amazing job in creating it. The message that is being said in the book is an amazing one.

The characters where great and I loved following them throughout the book. I am looking forward to was June CL Tan writes next.

A very enjoyable story about two people on a journey to discover the truth of the past and reclaim a lot throne. I loved the dual POV, the world building was great, and the pace was just right - I was engaged the whole way through. I assume there will be a sequel...? I hope so!

Jade fire gold - June CL Tan

I’m sorry I didn’t get to read this title and so it expired therefore I cannot give an accurate review. Sorry

My God I loved this book, absolutely gutted that I could not find a signed hardcopy copy anywhere, that should tell you everything you need to know about this book. I am really looking forward to more from June.

While this book was pleasant to read, there was nothing about it that stood out to me in any way.
The characters were okay, the plot was fun, it just didn't blow my mind like I hoped it would.

Jade Fire Gold is a great debut fantasy novel (with an epilogue that implies a sequel will be on its way).

Ahn was found abandoned as a child in a desert village. Altan was next in line to the throne, before his father was murdered when he was young. After a chance encounter at a market they assume they will never see each other again, and have no idea how intertwined their journeys are going to become.

I loved the two separate quests that our main characters were undertaking, and how they intersected one another. I found them both loveable - if occasionally frustrating - and was invested in their stories.

The opening for a sequel that is hinted at in the epilogue sounds fantastic, and I will definitely pick it up if it comes to be.
Overall it was a really enjoyable YA fantasy book.

This was an interesting one. First of all, I adored the setting and the characters that were introduced. They didn't seem one-dimensional but were sometimes a bit cliche. What really took the rating down was the plot, which was sometimes underdeveloped and at other times just rushed through it. I feel with a bit more time and development the author would overcome this and make it a strong 4 star read. Now with all its faults it sadly didn't reach it

Book review: Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan

This book has everything I want in a really good ya fantasy book; high quality writing, an unique and captivating plot and characters with interesting, differentiating personalities and who acts accordingly. Jade Fire Gold was absolutely impossible to put down and ended way too soon, despite there being 450+ pages.

Blurb: In an empire on the brink of war... Ahn is no one, with no past and no family. Altan is a lost heir, his future stolen away as a child. When they meet, Altan sees in Ahn a path to reclaiming the throne. Ahn sees a way to finally unlock her past and understand her arcane magical abilities. But they may have to pay a far deadlier price than either could have imagined.

This book is definitely one of my top reads so far this year and I cannot wait to see what stories and adventure June CL Tan has in mind for the future. I truly recommend this book to all you ya fantasy lovers out there!

Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Jade, fire, gold was an enjoyable easy read, aided by its immersive writing style & effective world building. Whilst I had fun reading this one, I did have some problems with the pacing and I feel like there wasn’t enough depth to Altan and Ahn and more could have been explored with them. I also wish that we’d gotten more of the side characters, some interactions felt a little brief. With the stories ending however, there is definitely room for a sequel and I would love a chance to explore the stories of these characters further.

"You may not be able to change the past, but with each action, you can change the future" Jade Fire Gold

Thank you Netgalley for this eArc, and apologies to the author for the delay in reading and reviewing this fantastic book.

My only excuse is that books can and are read on any/all occasions, however there is always an ideal time to read a particular book. Ideal is subjective and can be as prosaic as time available, right frame if mind to indescribable such as the stars aligning. Suffice to say, when you find it...well, it is perfection.

I've tried to read this book at least three times prior to today, but never got beyond the first chapter. When I request an ARC, I do plan on reading it in plenty of time to provide a review prior to publication, however the pandemic reading slump really hindered that habit. Anyway, that said, recently scrolling through my Kindle reminded me that this was on my TBR. I picked it up and was enthralled.

There is a right time for everything.

I was going to begin with Ahn and Altan had the worst start in life but that would be wrong. Both born into nobility, high society and then circumstances derail the direction of their life. They experience tragedy, sacrifice and pain, that's where the book starts.

We have mistaken and hidden identities, secrets and the end of the world at stake. How much pressure can we place on these teens?

Plenty as they are resilient and have magical abilities.

What did I love? The rich history that was evoked, the characters, they were real and while occasionally annoying, behaved in a realistic manner. Making choices appropriate to their character.

The story was on reflection the most common quest type (find an artefact that had global implications) told well, coupled with great sidekicks. The pacing was in my opinion, right, yes it was long but necessary: lots of context to share. Unless explained very well, there is no excuse for non stop action and limited character development. Thankfully that wasn't the case here.

I wouldn't say the romance was subtle, yet it wasn't too heavy handed and we weren't subjected to a trite love triangle, something which can irritate me to distraction.

A really great read and hoping there is a sequel or at the very least another book in this universe. Xianxia is now a favoured genre.

From the Glossary:
Xianxia novels are high-fantasy stories that feature magic, demons, ghosts, magical beasts, immortals, and Chinese folklore and mythology.

I’ll start by saying I think Jade Fire Gold has a lot of potential, there are some really interesting characters on the page, although I’m not sure if this is book 1 or a stand alone. It’s a quick and easy read and the cover is gorgeous.

Unfortunately Jade Fire Gold just didn’t work for me, for a number of reasons:

The romance felt unnecessary, it wasn’t slow burn, it wasn’t something you experienced or witnessed, it just felt like the author wanted it to happen so it happened, a plot point just thrown in. If it weren’t for the supporting characters telling Altan and Ahn that they liked each other, you wouldn’t even know. There is literally no chemistry between these 2 characters, no intimacy, in fact their whole time together is essentially built on lies (which is very quickly glided over). Leiye and Ahn actually had some kind of chemistry, but no, the love interest (not that it even needed one) had to be the cliché tortured soul.

The pacing of the book. At times this book feels very slow, other times it’s rushed (ie. the romance), in particular the ending where everything feels very neat. The points to A and B are a very short, straight line, as opposed to an intricate plot. That isn’t always a bad thing, it can make for an easy, uncomplicated read, however on this occasion it felt too simple. I realise an author has the power to make anything happen, but if it just happens on the page without being bult, it’s not as satisfying. The book at times feels a little like bullet points bulked up but just not enough for me, for example how hard was it to find the phoenix when the only time Altan looks with us there he finds it?

The writing was easy to read, sometimes things are overwritten and you feel the words bouncing off your head. This doesn’t happen in JFR, however the 2 leads, Altan and Ahn, the chapters jump from between these 2 however if it weren’t for the name at the top of the page, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, neither character has their own distinct voice. Also I know this is fantasy but it also feels relatively historical so expressions like “having a blast” seem out of place.

The characters aren’t particularly likeable, or specifically, the main characters. The supporting characters Leiye, Tai Shun, Linxi and Tang Wei had real potential but no exploration or depth, they don’t appear enough but are actually likeable when they do, in particular Leiye. Altan, however, is so single minded, wanting revenge for his family no matter what, thinking awful things like hurting or threatening a frail grandmother to get what he wants (which is never revealed), yes I get he’s the usual brooding, tortured, mysterious sort but he’s a huge red flag and then all of a sudden he’s a completely different person with his single mindedness focussed on Ahn. Ahn, meanwhile, is frustratingly naïve and has no survival instinct, I don’t know how she gets so far because she is too trusting and too forgiving.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for my honest review.

Unfortunately the e-Arc for this book expired before I was able to read it. Due to the length of the book I didn't not have enough time to read it. I hope to pick up a finished copy in the future.

I'm an avid fan of the xianxia and wuxian setting so I was very excited for this novel, but it failed to deliver overall.

While it started off brilliantly, with ample promise and interesting characters, after the first third, it started dwindling. After around the 35-40% mark things weren't anywhere as good as the build-up that had come before. The author did a great job in setting up the story but couldn't pull off the execution well, especially with the romance. While I cared for Ahn and Altan as characters, their romance didn't excite me as much as it should have.

I did love that the story was a fast paced and easy read. The entire ensemble was great and I loved how the other relationships developed. It did remind me of a lot of wuxia shows I've watched so that was nice.

The ending left me a little confused because I thought this was a stand-alone, but that ending leaves the reader with a very strong premise for a second book, which I hope the author writes.

Though this book didn't hit ALL the right marks, it was still a good debut and I'm excited to see what more the author has to offer!

If you are looking for a standalone fantasy with a vivid world like the Poppy War series and the flair and whimsy of the Daughter of the Moon Goddess, then look no further because this book has everything. From the deadly couple, to the long lost prince, to a deadly hunt for a sacred object, we have everything in this book!

We follow Atlan who happens to be the long lost prince of the Empire. His life is constantly in danger has he seeks out the prophesised life stealer. When he finally meets her he realises that he might have made the wrong assumptions about her. Ahn grew up with a woman who saved her when she was younger, she has magic abilities that can basically squeeze the life out of people and leave them a dry husk. After she is captured for killing two men, she realised that she might not be without family.

She is brought together with Altan and they have to search for a sword that will lead them to the truth behind the evil sitting on the throne. And of course, they fall in love. Well she does try to kill him a few times. It was a wild ride.

Plot-wise was very intriguing and a page-turner. The writing was immersive. Characters are lovable. Not so much of a fan of the chopsticks in hair thing though. Ignored that and I think this was an impressive debut.

I have to say it literally took me a page to get hooked in.

This book has been on my shelf for months and I even had an E-arc of this that I never got around too and I’m kicking myself for taking so long to pick this up. But I finally picked it up at a time when I seriously needed a distraction from my personal life. And it 💯 gave me what I needed. For that alone Jade Fire Gold has become my favourite read so far this year!

The world building was amazing, the characters were diverse and so appealing. I literally can’t fault it. Whilst this book is a standalone and things were wrapped up nicely. I love that there’s scope for more books in this universe. There’s the potential for a sequel here and I hope we do get one!

The writing was an odd one to judge. I thought it was really well done done in some places and then too simplistic in others. I’m going to put that down to it being the authors debut novel because she’s already amazing and is clearly just going to get better.

I’m Eagerly waiting for what the author writes next because I’m half in love with her 😂

I wish I could've gotten more into this book, but sadly, I wasn't gripped in the way I wanted. I think this is more of a personal opinion thana fault on the book itself!!