Anyu, a young girl living with her single mom in Harbin, China in the 1920s goes to the train station everyday, learns everything, absorbs everything, and skillfully draws everything. She has no education, no skills, no father, no resources. One day at the train station, she accidentally comes into possession of a Faberge egg, a most prized piece of treasure in the world of jewelry. A man shows up, claims it’s his, and asks her to give it back to him. She did. It turns out the man is Isaac Mandelburg, a former master jeweler for Russia’s imperial palace. She ends up in Shanghai’s dark underbelly, and what follows is a dangerous rise to fame in the world of jewelry making, high stakes theft, a secret guild of master jewelers which are not supposed to exist, secret vaults, greed, obsession, war, family, loyalty, and a world where ambition blinds everything else.

I LOVED THIS. I may be biased because I love jewelry, and I can immediately visualize what four pieces of 3.6 x 3.6mm marquise diamond set into a flower design is when mentioned. But beyond that, the story was non-stop; the protagonist was such a character - fierce, dignified, relentless, and wholly unwelcomed by the jewelry making world and society’s elite. I was so invested in her journey, and gasped in shock within the first few chapters of what happened to her.

“Maybe freedom was knowing she had made mistakes in the past but she could do right in the future; freedom was to live the life she wanted, to love the man the way she needed to, and to create the jewelry the way she envisioned.”

I loved this!

Giving this 5/5!

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing & @netgalley for the ARC.

The Master Jeweler will be out on 24 June 2025!

#bbbreviews #themasterjeweler #weinadairandel #greatnovels #recommendedfiction #bookreviews #netgalley

There is so much I want to say about this book but I'll start with this - it felt like I was moving through a sea of precious memories the farther I got through the book.

When I first read this, I did not know what to expect, I simply found the premise fascinating and I had never read anything from this author before. We start the story at the beginning of the end and are immediately thrust into the flood of memories that comes to her in the moment.

Following Anyu through her journey - from Harbin to Hong Kong, a tale of twists, turns - some expected, some unexpected was in a word, tragic yet thrilling and all together very emotional to read as an artist myself. All I wished for was that some of these moments could breathe longer, I do like longer books so I suppose this is simply a personal preference. To capture the process, the journey of being an artist so aptly was what hit me most and I found myself smiling fondly in moments where I related to Anyu, even Isaac. This also brought me an unexpected bout of inspiration as I went down a rabbit hole of researching the House of Faberge so I could have a better visual of the eggs and jewellery described and the fascination that Anyu had, the grip such craftsmanship had on her was immediately understandable and reminded me of the moment I felt it for a comic I adored at first sight. A greater appreciation for a craft I already admired, and through this book, admire even more - thank you.

In addition, the way this is written adds to the entire feeling of it being something akin to watching your life flash before your eyes. Remembering all these moments but in these moments, remembering something even more specific when it came to someone that mattered - their eyes, their tone, their smile and some things that follow you along that in the moment, seem insignificant, are stark reminders of those memories in particular. This book had everything I loved - unbelievably fascinating characters, a brilliant plot, incredible scenery and storytelling of that scenery. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I would definitely recommend this, the only thing I'd change is that some moments needed to breathe a bit more and I wish it were a little longer.

Arc received from the publisher. This did in no way influence my opinion on this book.

I read Randel‘s The Last Rose of Shanghai a couple of years ago and remember devouring it despite its bumpy story. I remember being especially irritated by the overuse of new storylines despite a very intriguing story backbone, often resulting in story holes that the reader is expected to just expect. The book description sounded intriguing enough though, and I was curious how Randel‘s writing would fare in her new book.

This book, starting from the 1920s when China was still occupied by different foreign powers, tells the story of a young Chinese girl who becomes irrevocably fascinated/obsessed with a Fabergé egg — and with the owner of the egg, Isaac Mandelburg. For some not very well explained reasons (especially since she just happens to have a talent for drawing despite having had no formal education), he takes pity on her and takes her in, introducing her to a riveting world of jewellery, with her life leading her from Harbin to Shanghai and eventually Hong Kong.

While the premise of the book wasn’t too bad, I quickly became frustrated by its approach to cultural representation. As a work by a Chinese-American author, I expected a book that felt authentic and rooted in its own perspective, but instead, the story often seemed tailored for a white Western gaze. As a reader, you quickly become stuck with a main character that leans into white fetishization and exoticism of Chinese people. The character’s traits, struggles and romantic dynamics felt somewhat catered to Asian female stereotypes—mystical, submissive, or hyper-sexualized in ways that align with how white audiences often fantasize about East Asians, reminding me of books such as The Geisha. If it wasn’t for the main character’s well explained talent in jewellery, she easily could’ve been reduced to to a collection of exoticized traits instead of a fully realized person.

As with her previous book, I do have to command the Randel‘s research on the historical key points. Her writing is engrossing and you can feel her devotion to the story, especially the highlights on Jewish life in China post-Russian Revolution. However, while this storyline is valid in its own right, it strangely diluted what could have been a powerful story about Chinese women in China at that time. For historical reference, a bibliography is added at the end of the book, however you will see mostly Western sources.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for an engrossing read that is loosely based on historical events, do go for this book. However if you‘re looking for a more nuanced approach, perhaps there will be better books in the future.

Thank you to Weina Dai Randel, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

A nice, quick, easy read with an interesting plot. I did find the protagonist a little annoying and ignorant at times and the writing felt a little oversimplified and included a lot of information dumping. The conversations between characters didn’t flow believably either.

The Master Jeweler by Weina Dai Randel is a harrowing tale about a young Chinese woman whose life of hardship and tragedy glimmers with the world of jewelry making, discovering the power of love and friendship along the way.

In 1925 Harbin, China, a desolate place located near Siberia, fifteen year old Anyu is struggling to survive with her mother when she accidentally finds a Faberge egg in the snow. The owner, Isaac Mandelburg, the former master jeweler for the imperial house of Russia, forms an unlikely connection to Anyu, their paths destined to cross in the future. When Anyu loses everything, she goes to Shanghai in search of Isaac and is initiated into the world of jewelry making and is swept up in the dark underworld of the city, where she meets gangsters and criminals who seek to destroy the Mandelburg's jewelry and many lives along with it. Darkness follows Anyu wherever she goes, with death and tragedy juxtaposing the glittering world of jewelry. An epic tale of survival, Anyu will discover that intense pressure does in fact create diamonds, and that the will to survive is just as intricate as a crafted piece of jewelry.

The Master Jeweler was an immersive story that pulled me into its pages of darkness and light. I love a good survival story, and Anyu's life was both fascinating and devastating. The historical Chinese settings were evocatively written, that created a propulsive feeling of danger with the turn of every page. This was juxtaposed with the world of jewelry making, also a dangerous profession, but made beautiful by its creative works of wonder. Anyu was an incredible character, her strength and resilience were admirable and her faults and failings leading to unexpected results mirroring the tireless work of creating jewelry. This book had a beautiful alchemy of hardship and exquisiteness that crafted an epic story about love and heartbreak and how all of the challenges one faces, designs a peculiar beauty of hope and transformation. It was interesting to read about the Chinese, Russian, and Jewish cultures from a 1920s-1940s perspective in China which I have not read about before in a novel. An interesting melting pot of ethnicities mired by political strife and economic struggles. The world of jewelry making, its skills and risks were fascinating to learn about, as well as the Faberge eggs (which I had first learned about many years ago). Themes of designing and reinventing oneself in the face of incredible danger was inspiring. I couldn't stop thinking about how jewelry is not only about status and wealth, but represents an intricate network of people behind the scenes who risk a lot for beauty, transforming raw materials into magnificent pieces of art.

By the end of the story, we learn that Anyu did just that, from the heartbreak she somehow made a life of her own, learning to rebirth herself from the poor orphan into a Master of her own destiny.

A glittering read, perfect for fans of survival epics and historical fiction.

What I admired most about Anyu wasn’t just her talent—it was her relentless determination. She fights for every success, proving that skill alone isn’t enough in a world that tries to hold her back. Her ambition isn’t cold or ruthless; it’s deeply personal, shaped by both her losses and her dreams. From the snow-covered landscapes of Harbin to the glamour of Shanghai’s elite and the war-torn streets of Hong Kong, The Master Jeweler is a captivating tale of resilience, passion and the pursuit of beauty in a world teetering on the edge of chaos.

I love historical fiction, it’s one of my favorite genres. I did however feel as though this one was a bit slower than what I normally like. I still Enjoyed it, just took my longer to finish it.

THE MASTER JEWELER
BY WEINA DAI RANDEL
RELEASE DATE June 24, 2025

This novel took me in to the life of an artist. It was so exciting to feel what the young Anyu was discovering as she learned that she desired to become an artisan. The author had me feeling the weight and shape of both the tools and materials used in creating a piece of jewelry. Even the smell of the workshop came across. I understood the time and effort it took for each creation and even the fatigue that these caused.

“For jewelry did not simply signify value, with its gems, diamonds, or beauty; it meant much more –
it was a token of hope, a jewel of memory, and an emblem of conviction for eternity.”

It was so very beautiful to understand the deep meaning that a piece of jewelry could hold.

This novel was intriguing from Page 1 as you learn how our poor young Chinese protagonist in the deep of winter in Northern China meets a Russian Jeweler who is carrying a mysterious Fabrege Egg. It is unbelievable where this chance meeting takes Anyu.

The story starts with the young woman at age 15. She has a lot to learn. Anyu has unbelievable grit, gumption and tenacity which serves her well throughout her life's saga. She finds herself dealing with many different sorts of seedy individuals …gangsters as well as greedy individuals out to make her life difficult and set on not allowing her to experience any sort of success.

This novel is heartwrenching, mysterious and exciting.

The book addresses race relations, mistreatment of those of other races as well as the differences between the have and the have nots. The story begins in 1925 and it is very sad that these prejudices still exist today.

I highly suggest this as your next historical fiction read. It has such a very unique bend in its storyline and is definitely not your typical coming of age read.

Weina Dai Randel happens to be one of my very favorite authors. I have great respect for her as not only is she a talented writer but she digs deep into her research.

I have enjoyed both of her WWII novels The Last Rose of Shanghai and Night Angels as well as her Empress of The Bright Moon Duology which takes place in Ancient China and is based on the life of the real woman Empress Wu Zetian.

Thank you to Weina Dai Randel, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy of The Master Jeweler which will be released on June 24, 2025.

THIS REVIEW WAS POSTED ON GOOD READS March 17, 2025.

"The Master Jeweler" is an immersive, touching, and motivating tale about the power of determination and the pursuit of dreams. Set against the backdrop of 1920s Shanghai, the story follows a young orphan girl on her quest to become a master jeweler. Her journey is not just about mastering her craft but also about protecting her loved ones during the tumultuous times of the Japanese occupation in the 1940s.

The novel is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists, moments of happiness, and heartbreaking events that keep readers hooked from start to finish. Weina Dai Randel's storytelling captures the resilience and spirit of the protagonist, making this a compelling and inspiring read.

Great book for so many reasons. I didńt want it to end. Spanning over a few decades, the story follows Anyu, an orphaned woman who becomes a master jeweler. Her story is one of sacrifice, love, endurance, and loyalty. Her relationship with the family who takes her in through serendipitous meeting is a beautiful tale of acceptance and how friends become family.

I loved the book so much for so many reasons. Randel is a master at giving insight into China during the time frame that she writes. I learned more about about the Japanese occupation and also how racism worked during that time. I loved learning about the Fabergé eggs. I was somewhat familiar with them, but took the time to stop reading and look them up. The Winter Egg and the Mosaic Egg are by far my favorites. If you dońt know about the eggs, take the time to stop and look them up. The Kingfisher bird is also beautiful.

The book is also good storytelling for the most part. The characters who you are to love are easy to love. The ones you are to dislike are easy to dislike. There were a few parts that seemed far fetched or could have used more elaboration, in my opinion. That is why it wasn’t a 5 stars. It was for sure 4.5 stars for me.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy. This is one of my favorite books so far this year and so far fromNetGalley.

This is the story of the woman named Anyu, starting as a 15-year-old girl living in Harbin, China who discovers a Faberge egg which was part of the Romanov's treasures. She returns it to the rightful jeweler who eventually provides her shelter and guidance in Shanghai.

Anyu's love for jewelry design and making blossoms under the master jeweler's guidance and her recognition brings dangers as gangs and other evil-doers begin to follow her closely and attempt to steal the infamous egg. Her journey through life is one of great toil and turmoil but the story is an impactful look into this point of history.

The Master Jeweler is a page-turning blend of historical fiction, cultural richness, and emotional depth. Set against the vibrant yet turbulent backdrops of Shanghai and Hong Kong from the ~1930s to the ~1950s, the novel masterfully captures an era of upheaval, resilience, and constant reinvention.

At its heart is a deeply moving story of survival and artistry, following the protagonist from her teenage years, when she is orphaned, through decades of hardship, loss, and perseverance. As she rebuilds her life, her love for fine jewelry, especially the legendary Fabergé eggs, becomes both her refuge and her path to building an identity of her own. Randel’s meticulous research shines through in the exquisite descriptions of craftsmanship, making the world of master jewelers come alive with dazzling detail.

Beyond its intimate focus on one woman’s journey, the novel also sheds light on the struggles of stateless Russian Jews, forced to navigate exile and reinvention in foreign lands. Through their experiences, the book subtly explores themes of displacement, resilience, and the enduring power of art, which at times can turn into a deadly, criminal obsession.

Richly evocative and emotionally resonant, The Master Jeweler offers a highly satisfying reading experience.

I really enjoyed this book. The story takes us through many places in China, beginning in Harbin, where the main character Anyu grows up, and becomes orphaned. Shanghai, where Anyu finds a home, and a purpose. Entering into the world of fine jewelry making. I really loved this part of the book. The description of the jewelry that she and her mentor create are stunning, and you can really envision each individual piece. Then moves onto Hong Kong, fleeing from the Japanese soldiers and in impending takeover.
I really enjoyed Anyu’s character and her fierce determination for survival, and success. Never once giving up.
I have never read a book by this author before, but I will be picking up one in the future. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the EArc.

I really wanted to like The Master Jeweler—it had such great potential to be a 5-star read. The story starts off promising, but then it all falls apart after the stolen necklace incident. Like, what happened there? The gangsters don’t come after her, and that whole scene just ends without any resolution. I was really confused by that. And don’t get me started on Anyu’s decisions in that part. She just goes off without a plan, ends up losing a finger, and then somehow walks away with the necklace. It felt like the author didn't put much thought into this part at all.

Speaking of Anyu, her character is so frustrating. The author want to show she’s supposed to be strong despite her tough upbringing, but instead, she just comes off as rude and inconsiderate to me. There’s this one line where she talks to older, more experienced people like she’s already the best thing to ever happen to the jewelry world. I get that she’s confident, but it felt completely out of place for an 18-year-old who’s just starting out.

And honestly, the romance with Isaac was hard to buy into. He's older than her and has a daughter older than her age, so why would Anyu, coming from a small village in China during a war, fall for him so easily? It felt forced and unrealistic to me.

After the necklace incident, I just couldn’t keep going. The plot choices, the writing style—everything just disappointed me. The premise was great, but it didn’t live up to its potential. Definitely a letdown.

DNF at chapter 22.

The Master Jeweler, a novel by author Weina Dai Randel, transports the reader in the bustling, danger-laden streets of in 1920s Shanghai, brought to life with precision and care thanks to the vivid description and rich historical context... and this is definitely the pounding heart of this book and the author's forte. The plot is engaging and embellished with la meticulous attention to the artistry of jewelry making.
But the thing that really had me hookes was the main character's journey: Anyu's quest is driven, not only by pure ambition, but a heartfelt longing for acceptance and belonging.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Weina Dai Randel for the ARC!

Enjoyed this book so much. Anyu, is just a young girl and has lost her mother. She goes to Shanghai to find the man she found a valuable, jeweled egg for. He promised to help her if she ever needed it, and she now does badly. She loves watching how jewelry is designed and made and wants to do this herself. She sets her sights on becoming a Master Jeweler.

This story captures so much history that took place in Shanghai in the early Twentieth Century. It features war, love, and loss and how large a price both Anyu and her found Jewish Family are willing to pay to carry on the tradition of jewelry making and preserving their family. It is difficult to know who to really trust, but when you find those people you need to hold tight and fight for them forever. Beautifully told story where I learned so much about jewels, faberge eggs, conflicts, wars, betrayal, and love.

Thank you NetGalley, Weina Dai Randel, and Lake Union Publishing for a Copy of this Book. I always leave reviews of books I read.

"Maybe freedom was knowing she had made mistakes in the past but she could do right in the future"

This was an enjoyable read; an interesting plotline that I've definitely not come across before. It follows the life of Anyu, an orphan girl who finds purpose in becoming a master jeweller. Her life is one of blessings and curses, some follies of her own choices, and the love of the people surrounding her.
Decent world building where we explore different characters from Anyu's perspective. Written really well and in a way that really pulls you in - I found I couldn't put the book down during the second half. I think the character depth fell short for me so I didn't have any strong feelings for any of them, but the ending did the novel justice. A pleasant read.

This novel is impossible to put down, starting from the second sentence. It'll grip you and keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end!

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC.

I really wanted to like this novel, as the setting and premise were very promising. Unfortunately the writing itself was just not to my taste. While I love learning about time periods through historical fiction, I wasn't a fan of the way the exposition felt almost wiki-like at times rather than naturally flowing. I was also having trouble connecting with the characters, which unfortunately meant that I did not feel as motivated to continue. I am sure that those who have enjoyed this author's other works will have a great time! Just not me.

I wanted to like this more than I did. It had all the elements that make a great historic novel. A strong female leader, adversity, sisterhood, love and intrigue. But it did not rise to the occasion and take all these amazing parts and produce the amazing story I hoped for. A good read but not compelling.