The Jade Necklace
by Jad Phillip
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Pub Date 15 Jan 2025 | Archive Date 31 Jan 2025
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Description
At six years old, Clara met fire and shadow...
Her parents were murdered, her home burned to the ground, and her past erased. She grew up believing she was a delusional orphan, haunted by fragments of memories that made no sense. The only clue was her mother’s jade necklace—a relic as mysterious as it was beautiful.
Now, as a pre-med student, she lives a so-called normal life. But when a stranger attacks and a surge of power explodes from within, everything changes. Her memories are real, the man who hunted her is back, and she is far from safe. As Clara’s abilities grow, so do the questions about who—and what—she really is.
Across the ocean, Robin—more monster than man—has spent a thousand years bound to darkness and seen empires rise and fall. But when Clara stumbles into his path, something about her shatters his centuries-old indifference. As dangers close in, Robin finds himself inexplicably drawn to her, even as he tries to resist.
Clara is thrust into a world of magic and peril, where, since love and loyalty are as fragile as the truths she seeks, she must unlock her hidden powers.
The Jade Necklace begins a series of power and destiny, where love and treacherous forces hunt the chosen and the cursed.
A Note From the Publisher
Thank you for picking up this book and stepping into the world I’ve created. Before diving in, I want to share something important—this is not a sanitized fantasy. Life is messy, shaped by intolerance and the complexities of othering.
Throughout history, those who looked, spoke, or lived differently were cast aside. Sadly, this still holds true today. While progress continues, issues like homophobia, sexism, and racism persist.
This series isn’t written from a Western lens. Though parts take place in familiar cities like London and Paris, much unfolds in Beirut, Cairo, southern India, sub-Saharan Africa, and Pakistan. The characters reflect their environments—flawed but real. Portraying them otherwise would feel dishonest.
In Western media, stories like Heartstopper celebrate acceptance. I love those stories, but reality isn’t always as kind. Even the most pro-LGBTQ characters might say offensive things shaped by their upbringing. My role as a writer is to be authentic, not cater to Western comfort.
Cultural nuances matter. In the U.S., asking about weight might offend. On the other hand, in Beirut a standard greeting would be to criticize someone's weight.
My characters' actions don’t reflect my own. Robin Jacobs, a misogynist shaped by a thousand years of history, cannot be expected to champion modern values—but he grows. People are complex. A homophobe might dedicate their life to charity. This doesn’t excuse bigotry but acknowledges the contradictions within us all.
This story stands against discrimination and exclusion. Robin, for example, honors a friend by adopting the Middle Eastern name Badr.
I believe in tolerance and love, but my characters aren’t perfect mirrors of those values. Some grow; others don’t. I ask you to read with an open heart and embrace the journey.
Much love,
JAD
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9999888844441 |
| PRICE | US$2.99 (USD) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Ahmad O, Reviewer
The Jade Necklace was an incredibly enjoyable read—I devoured it in one sitting! What stood out most was the beautiful diversity woven throughout the story. The characters reflect a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, making it feel refreshingly inclusive.
One of the highlights for me was the gradual build-up to Clara and Robin’s meeting. Unlike many romance-driven novels, I had the chance to truly connect with each character individually, getting to know them within their own worlds and surrounded by their own circles before their paths intertwined. This added so much depth to the story and reinforced a powerful message: being whole on your own draws the kind of love that doesn’t complete you, but instead strengthens the person you already are.
The Jade Necklace is more than just a fantasy romance—it’s a testament to growth, self-discovery, and the magic that happens when two strong souls collide.
Claire C, Reviewer
This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
Ivy A, Reviewer
The Jade necklace by Jad Philipp is a fun, adventurous story that follows a Gargoyle named Badr who is set to find Clara, an orphan, who has incredible powers and has been hunted by many for her abilities. We meet in the story all of Clara’s friends and their adventures together. I enjoyed the different POVs of Clara and Badr as they go through their separate paths destined to find each other. Loved Jonathan’s story, although would’ve liked his POV once I knew more of why Badr & Clara are tied together. All in all, a super exciting book 🤩 First 30% & last 10% were my favorite!!
You will love this if you love:
✨ Magical Powers
✨ Hidden Society
✨ Gargoyles
✨ Love Triangle
✨ Friend Group
✨ Everlasting Love
Thank you NetGalley, BooksGoSocial & Jad Phillip for an Advance Reader Copy of The Jade Necklace by Jad Phillip.
Mike A, Reviewer
It was an interesting YA fictional novel that took place in a new location in the world, with nice original characters that are not conventional. I like the link between the characters and the occults that are present in the book, and the on going chase and fights that happen every now and then.
Catarina S, Reviewer
The Jade Necklace by Jad Phillip is such a masterpiece. I couldn't stop reading this book. I read it in a day and an afternoon. I couldn't stop reading this. So so good.
Lindsey S, Reviewer
This is a young adult fantasy. The story is told from 3 different POVs, that all intersect as the story goes. It's fast paced, has many magical beings; Gargoyles, Witches, Vampires and different shifters.
It definitely kept my interest throughout. I liked that it wasn't predictable and you were always left wondering what would happen next. I'm typically a fantasy reader, and sometimes in that genre it can start to feel like the same story retold, but this was unlike any of the fantasy I've read. I enjoyed it!
Thank you NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and Author Jad Phillip for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rachel P, Reviewer
FIrst off, love the gargoyle in the picture it really looks. cool. Second, loved the plot it's gothic yet contemporary. The story is fun to read and the characters are definitely their own type of creatures. This gave Half Blood vibes by Jennifer Armentrout
Victoria L, Bookseller
From the get go of the novel I was addicted. The magical system and lore built into this book have left me wanting more, is it Lebanese or another culture's lore that it is inspired by?
With the thousands of fantasy novels that I have read, both adult and Young Adult, I have yet to read a story which included a Gargoyle- which for me is brilliant. When I was a young kid, I was enamored by the show named Gargoyles and slightly obsessed with the same mythical characters which feature in Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame. So to see a last of its kind and unlike any other- Gargoyle I love it.
Also, what I could really connect with was the inner conflict of Clara and Robin. These two, almost mirrored character seem to suffer in their lives. Clara in her silent love for Erick and Robin with his conflict with relationship to humanity- his or other people's.
The antagonist are an interesting choice, an almost strict western religious sect of Christanity who are riding the world of Pheonixs however, it felt like Jonathan's toxic self-hatred could be relatable without some of the extreme comments he make, as a weaponised lesser evil.
However, it felt like the author was unsure of the demographic to which he was writing it for, which happens with passionate writers. However, some of the scenes between Robin and Darla might tick off some librarians in America. Luckily, I would definitely buy it for my library and just stick an advisory sticker for Year 9+.
Yet, the epilogue had me gasping for more. Now, I have to wait for the next novel. Well done Mr Phillip/El Khoury.
.Questions which I am now left wondering:
Was that Clara's long lost sister?
What is Clara?
How does she fit in with the magical system? If she isn't a phoenix, then why is she a seemingly reincarnated version of Aurora?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from #netgalley , thank you. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Kathryn M, Reviewer
This was a great start to the Chosen and the Cursed series, it had that feel that I was looking for from the description. The world was wonderfully done and worked well with the characters in this world. I was invested in what was happening with this story and enjoyed the overall feel of this. Jad Phillip has a strong writing style and can't wait for more.
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