The city of Janloon is ruled by Green Bone clans, groups of warriors who gain super-human abilities from jade. While the clans may clash over much of the city, the shop of master craftsman Isin is neutral territory. Isin is responsible for crafting much of the jewelry and weaponry the Green Bones use to display and wear their jade, and no one would think of interfering with such a revered and essential shop. But when a priceless blade belonging to one of the clans is stolen from Isin’s shop, Isin’s apprentice Pulo Oritano finds himself navigating clan politics to find the blade. It isn’t simply the shop on the line: a fellow shopworker has been blamed for the crime, and if Pulo can’t find the real culprit, the clans will execute her for daring to steal jade.

THE JADE SETTER OF JANLOON is a diverting story perfect for fans looking for a snack-sized adventure after the feast of THE GREEN BONE SAGA. Set two years before JADE CITY, it features cameos from multiple fan-favorite characters, and readers can appreciate nods to events that have not yet come to pass. If you haven’t yet experienced JADE CITY, I would recommend coming back later; while the author has done an admirable job of explaining how jade and clan politics work, the quick sketches of worldbuilding Lee does here pale in comparison to the heavy lifting done in the main series.

A lot of the enjoyment in reading THE JADE SETTER OF JANLOON comes from already being familiar with the world. In some ways, it almost feels like a wild tour through the seedier parts of the city, as Pulo interacts with both No Peak and Mountain clan members. Pulo is a fairly active protagonist, but he’s not the main attraction, he’s the tour guide. I don’t know that I was particularly invested in his character arc, but I sure did enjoy seeing all my old friends and haunts again.

More importantly, however, the book is about those who fall through the cracks when neither police nor Green Bones claim a particular vice as part of their domain to regulate. For all that Green Bones operate on a code of honor, it is a city essentially run by the mafia, and if the Green Bones aren’t handling a matter directly, the police sometimes look the other way instead of wading into an issue that could potentially draw the ire of the clans if it pertains to one of its businesses. Pulo gets to see first hand what happens to those who can’t count on anyone for protection, forcing him to reexamine his place in the city of Janloon as a neutral entity.

THE JADE SETTER OF JANLOON is a bit of fan service, but its well done fan service that will give you all the dopamine of seeing your old friends. If you’ve been hungering for a return to the world of THE GREEN BONE SAGA, this novella is the perfect snack.

Note: I was provided a free ARC by the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.

I really enjoyed "Jade Setters"! It was a fun, brief visit back to a world I adore, with a tight plot and cameos from series favorites.
But for all the fun of the story, I felt it was constrained by the length. Lee's plots and characters feel the most developed in her longer works, and I felt the story lacked the same depth of "Jade Legacy," which was my favorite of last year.
All and all, it was a delightful morsel of a story and a good entry point of readers intimidated by the length of the other books in the world of Janloon. Highly recommended!

I loved, loved this story. I had no idea what I was in for when authors who I enjoy recommended this book. The author is new to me and her writing was such a wonderful discovery. Her attention to world building, character development, not to mention the story line itself paid off in a book that keeps the reader's attention from start to finish.

All I can say is that this author is now on my automatic purchase list!

Fonda Lee is a master at her craft. Her storytelling is beautiful and full of complex characters and relationships. The Jade Setter of Janloon is no exception.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for giving me early access to this awesome novella; I really appreciate it!

I enjoyed this so much more than I expected. I really liked Jade City, and thought Jade War and Jade Legacy were GOOD, but the Green Bone Saga is not necessarily my favorite thing or anything. I do really like it, though, and so I requested this, hoping for the best! And I think I actually preferred this to some of the books in the series! Let's go into why.

First, it's worth saying that I was worried about this because I love the Kaul family and I knew it didn't follow them. But... we did get some cameos that made me really happy, and I liked the main characters well enough. But this was more about the plot for me. And I think I prefer GBS when it is more tightly plotted, as Jade City is my favorite of the three. This had a tight plot in exchange for the characters I loved. We follow a mystery stealing of Ayt Mada's blade from a supposedly neutral ground (a Jade Setter's shop) from the eyes of an apprentice of a master Jade Setter. Unraveling the mystery was really fun, and it was interesting to see the clan politics from the eyes of outsiders. That is really what drove my love for this: sometimes the GBS felt like I was too close to the trees to see the forest, where the series was really about the forest, but Jade Setter really allowed me to see the trees of this city and these clan wars a little bit more.

One thing I will say: this is a prequel to Jade City in that it comes before the events of Jade City, but I think reading that series first is pretty much a requirement because this book is not going to explain to you who Ayt Mada is, who the No Peak and Mountain clans are, and what their vibes with each other are like. It's also not going to expect the non-domestic politics that come into this, and I just feel like I appreciated it the way I did because I had read GBS, not in spite of it.

That's really all I can say about this because it is so short, but Fonda Lee's writing style reads quickly in this and I was engaged the entire time! Highly recommend for GBS fans, but I know y'all were gonna read it anyway.

The Jade Setter of Janloon is a novella set before Jade City, the first book in the Green Bone Saga. We follow Pulo, the apprentice to a well respected jade setter, Isin, around as he is trying to track down a precious heirloom of one of the clans that was stolen from the jade shop. The mystery of who was behind the theft and the political backdrop of the different clans made this book hard to put down. I was so immersed in the world Lee created and I was pleasantly surprised by the many turns the mystery took. A fellow apprentice at the jade shop, Mallo, is an Abukei woman, which is an indigenous group of people that are highly discriminated on. I appreciated how Lee confronted this issue in different ways throughout the novella and how it played a major part in the story. I have only read the first book in the Green Bone Saga and it may have been mentioned in that book but it didn’t have anything to do with the plot. So it was nice to see a broader look at the world of of Janaloon and how different people live and are treated. Of course, I really loved the cameos by some of the characters in the first book. I was reminded all over again why I loved that book so much and why I still think about the characters and the world over a year later.

If you have never picked up a book in the the Green Bone Saga I think this is a great starting point to dip your toes into the incredible world that Lee has created. The books in this series are a lot more detailed and political than this novella but if you have been wanting to know what the hype is about this a great starting point.This small story packs so much into it that I was glued to the pages and Lee has cemented herself has one of the best fantasy authors I have ever read.

Fonda Lee did it again! I was instantly transported back to Janloon, and I loved every second of it. The detective plot was fast-paced and kept my interest, and I liked how it incorporated many of the elements of Janloon society introduced in the main series in a different way. In many ways, it showed how out of touch the events of the main series were from the day to day lives of people outside the Kaul family. However, it also illustrated the interdependence between the clans and their people and how they interact and impact each others' lives, for better or worse. As always with Lee's work, I almost instantly felt connected to the new characters, and each of them had clear arcs and interesting growth. I also loved all the cameos SO MUCH!!! One of them made me tear up because it made me think about how different all the lives of the saga's main characters could have been if one event hadn't happened in Jade City. All that being said, I don't really recommend this be the first Green Bone Saga book someone reads. It worked surprisingly well on its own, but I think it would be best enjoyed by at least reading Jade City first. Obviously, I loved it, though. So, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!

While I didn’t really love the Green Bone Saga itself, what I did love was the world building. I leapt at the chance to learn more about the world, and had perhaps irrationally high hopes for this novella—it seemed like it was taking my favorite part of the series and expanding on it.

Overall, this was enjoyable enough and a nice, quick read. I appreciated how distinct it felt thematically from the main series; it’s less politics-heavy, and as it focuses on one character you get somewhat more of a deeper dive into Pulo’s character than you do with the broader main cast. The world building continues to be wonderfully done, and this is a great exploration that really adds to it. Unfortunately, I think Fonda Lee’s writing just isn’t for me—but if you loved Green Bone Saga, I’m certain you’ll love this novella too!

Actual rating 4.5/5 stars

The entire Green Bone Saga was a 5 star series for me, so when I had the opportunity to read The Jade Setter of Janloon I jumped on the chance!

The scope of the The Green Bone Saga is vast, covering multiple continents and nations. It’s an amazingly, epic story following the Kaul family and the No Peak Clan, and it’s highly political.

The Jade Setter of Janloon is a smaller story focusing on one character, Pulo, who works as a jade setter’s apprentice and belongs to Haedo Shield, a smaller clan on Kekon island. While there are still political elements in this story, it’s more of a mystery- something I absolutely loved!

It was so much fun to see several of the characters from the main trilogy in this book, too! Those characters play more of a cameo role, but still- anytime I get a chance to hang out with the No Peak clan again, I’ll take it!

You could read this story before reading the main trilogy and you wouldn’t be confused about anything going on, but I think it’s still best to read the first three books before reading this prequel novella. You’ll enjoy it so much more knowing what is going on behind the scenes and knowing much more about the politics of the clan and other character dynamics.

I’d highly recommend this novella for anyone who loved The Green Bone Saga, who loves mysteries, and who enjoys urban, low-magic fantasy.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the digital review copy.

Following the perspective of a jade setter’s apprentice, The Jade Setter of Janloon illustrates a life of an average citizen without any consequences of clan politics. This novella takes place two years before Jade City when the No Peak clan has a newly-minted Pillar, Kaul Lan and a soon-to-be Horn, Kaul Hilo. I missed them. Hilo in this novella is vastly different from the Hilo I read about in Jade Legacy. What a bittersweet experience. The Kaul family will always have a place in my heart, but this story isn’t about them.

Part of the Haedo Shield clan, Pulo is brought up on neutral grounds. The clan itself is governed by a council rather than having a traditional hierarchical structure like in the Mountain clan or the No Peak clan. Under reactive to jade, Pulo doesn’t meet the standards to become the clan’s Shieldbearer and instead, apprenticed to be a jade setter.

When Isin’s shop was burgled, a young Abukei woman is taken as a scapegoat, it’s a race against time for Pulo to find out where the weapon of a certain Pillar went.

Even within such a short book, Fonda Lee managed to captivate my attention and focus on Pulo’s story. His inert jade abilities meant that he could never be a warrior Green Bone, but Pulo was never too hung up about that. While he didn’t truly understand Isin’s insistence of staying on neutral grounds, Pulo did by the end of The Jade Setter of Janloon.

I liked that the novella surrounded an average citizen’s life rather than focusing on a prominent Green Bone family, as much as I want more of the Kauls, Pulo’s story was interesting in itself. As always, Fonda Lee is an amazing writer.

You know you've read an amazing series when the author writes a prequel novella after its all ended and meeting all of your favorite characters again just sends your heart weeping.

So. Hard.

Seriously, how do I get myself adopted by the Kaul family?

While I would have died for another story about the Kaul family, I truly enjoyed reading about the Jade Setter of Janloon and seeing the world from the common person perspective. How Fonda Lee managed to pour so much suspense, action, and emotional in a short story is beyond me.

Thank you Subterranean Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC and the opportunity to return to the world of Janloon.

DRC provided by Subterranean Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Representation: Asian-coded protagonist, Asian-coded secondary and tertiary characters.

Content Warning: death, racism, drugs, human trafficking, misogyny, organised crime.

The Jade Setter of Janloon by Fonda Lee is a prequel novella to Lee’s highly acclaimed Bone Saga trilogy, featuring known characters to whoever already read the trilogy, though it can be read as a starting point for who like me is yet to start the bestseller series.

Pulo has been assisting master jade setter Isin for four years in his shop, together with Malla, another protégé of the elder, when one day members on one of the two most powerful clans bring the master an extremely valuable item to fix. The object gets swiftly stolen and its disappearance will lead Pulo towards its future and will unveil mysteries and secrets about his employer and his darling Malla.

I must begin this review by saying that I whole-heartedly hate mafia and mafia-adjacent tales (I hate mafia, period), especially when the stories romanticise it. There are way too many romance writers out there writing about this and they really, REALLY, should stop. Mafia is not a spicy or romantic trope; it is a horrifying reality rooted in Italian history and it should NEVER be romanticised in novels. It shows the ignorance of the writers and that of the readers as well.

I started my review with that statement firstly because I hope it gets read by many people who will perhaps research about the history of mafia and understand how disgusting it is that there are writers romanticising it for entertainment; and secondly because I read Fonda was inspired by The Godfather for her internationally acclaimed series. I am hoping it is the most detached of inspirations though and that the fantasy elements are the predominant ones. I even heard part of a podcast episode in which Fonda talked about the Saga and it seems like it is a very loose influence, but until I actually read the books I cannot tell anything with certainty.

Now, to the book itself. The Jade Setter of Janloon isolates itself from the trilogy both chronologically, as the events occur two years before the ones in the series, thematically and in terms of genre. This novella is indeed a noir mystery in which the series’ reality is shown, but does not act as the main aspect, that had a very nice flow (I managed to read it all in one sitting and that is an extremely rare occurrence for me), interesting characters and a rather intriguing plot in spite of its predictability. It made me really excited for the trilogy (for which I will maintain my reservations) and what those books will entail. Lots of book friends raved about them and that definitely keeps the flame of interest alive in me.

The Jade Setter of Janloon is a reading experience that will accustom you to Fonda Lee’s writing style, entertain you with a gripping mystery and titillate your interest with hints of the main storyline, all at the same time.

A nice little 100+ page prequel side story set in the world of Jade and Green Bones, and taking place prior to the events in the first book of the Green Bone saga. It was a quick read, but it didn't had some memorably characters. It even had some "cameo" appearances from some of the characters we've come to know and love from the trilogy. Overall, this is a required read for any fans of Fonda Lee's Green Bone sage, and a great way entry into the trilogy for curious new readers.

This was perfect way to get back into the Green Bone world! I really enjoyed seeing a different perspective. I am honestly just really in love with Lee's writing.

Return to the city of Janloon for monstrous fun, cutthroat jade battles, and incisive writing. Fonda Lee is a master.

THE JADE SETTER OF JANLOON by Fonda Lee
Publication: 4/30/22 by Subterranean Press


An immersive novella created in the same world as the award winning Green Bone Saga. Crafted by Fonda Lee with her signature exquisite world building and characterization skills. Set in the vibrant city of Janloon on the island of Kekon involving a mystery and quest demanding the skills and perseverance of an apprentice Jade setter. For centuries jade has been coveted as a measure of status , power and respect for the green bone warriors. All existing clan warriors depend upon the craftsman skills of jade setters to craft their battle earned jade into honorable necklaces, bracelets , belts and ear studs. Pulo Oritono is the apprentice of the renowned jade setter, Isin and both belong to the Head Shield, a minor and neutral clan …. trusted by both the rival feuding No Peak and Mountain clans. An extremely valuable sword is entrusted to Isin by one of clan leaders to refurbish and reset. Before it can be delivered to the rightful leader, it is stolen from his shop. Isin’s assistant, Mallo, a young Abukei woman, is arrested as the prime suspect. The police know very well that this indigenous woman could not have handled , let alone stolen the jade encrusted sword. Jade is toxic to the common man , and handling will result in sickness and probably death. Pulo must assume the investigation himself and recover the sword in hopes of saving the lives of Isin and Mallo.
Fonda Lee crafts this compelling and twisted murder mystery with her usual skillful world building, while incrementally layering the foundation for her main characters. The result is an addictive and fast paced story, that fully invests the reader until the exciting denouement is revealed. The political intrigue with vendettas and corruption and gritty action scenes characteristic of the trilogy are maintained along with moral dilemmas and the need to right injustice.
Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for supplying an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Any new readers will certainly seek out the Jade City Trilogy after this introduction into Fonda Lee’s world.

This is the best novella I’ve read in a really long time. I loved everything I’ve read by Fonda Lee, although her novels are pretty long so I wasn’t sure how she’d handle a novella. It was perfect. It was everything I love about her writing and the city of Janloon. I think the shorter format actually forced Lee to be a little more concise, as the pace was much quicker than usual as well. Overall, it was excellent.

I recently read and devoured the entire Green Bone saga trilogy. I was beyond excited when I got early access to The Jade Setter of Janloon. This novella mainly follows Isin, a jade setter, and Pulo, his apprentice. We also get to meet Malla, who works at the shop with Isin and Pulo. The story starts off with a bang due to a precious jade weapon being stolen from Isin's shop. Pulo and Isin race to find the thief to prevent a potentially deadly outcome.

By following main characters that are not associated with the No Peak or Mountain clans, we get a unique perspective of what it is like to be a normal citizen in Janloon. Fonda has a way of writing her characters that really sets her apart. In this short novella, Fonda still allows us to get to know the three main characters and come to care for them. We get visited by some of the characters from the main trilogy as well and it was exciting to see these characters before the happenings of the main books.

The Jade Setter of Janloon is part mystery, part mob story, and full of heart. I highly recommend that you read the trilogy first, but it was a nice treat to be back in the Green Bone world even for a little while.

It was great to be back on the world of the Green Bones!

There's a very... cinematic feeling about Lee's writing. Not sure if that's the correct word but it's just very visually evocative to me. This novella is not the exception — it feels like a fun little "regular guy gets entangled in dangerous crimes" film, which I love!

When I read the Green Bone Saga I loved to see new countries, cultures, and people as the world grew. Every single time, Lee crafted a piece of the puzzle that was entirely new and intriguing, and it always fit perfectly with the story.

This novella brings us a new piece that is very close to Janloon, the very city that the saga started with, but that clearly we hadn't seen everything of.

The only reason this isn't 5 stars was because I personally couldn't connect with Pulo that well, but somehow the story worked well around him.

I really loved being back in Kekon and Janloon, and the cameos from some beloved characters from the main series made me feel so nostagic. I'm not entirely sure how well this serves as a standalone without having read the main series to be quite honest with you - I think the plot is fairly self-contained (it's kind of like a crime/mystery situation), but some of the themes and social dynamics might be lost on readers who are not familiar with this world, and in my opinion, those are the best parts about this novella.

In this story, we follow Pulo, an apprentice to one of Janloon's most renowned jade setters, Isin. They both belong to the Haedo Shield, a minor neutral clan that operates outside of the feud between No Peak and Mountain. One day, a valuable artifact from one of the leaders of one of the major clans goes missing, and Isin's assistant, Mallo, a young Abukei woman, is arrested as the prime suspect, but Pulo decides to investigate this on his own as he doesn't believe that Mallo would've stolen from the shop.

I really liked how Fonda Lee gave us yet another glimpse into Green Bone society - in this novella, we focus on the relations between the civilian police force in Janloon, as well as the way the Abukei, who are indigenous to Kekon, are treated by the Green Bones. One of my favourite things about the main trilogy is how nuanced and in depth the worldbuilding is, and I feel like this novella just gives us even more in that aspect, which I loved.

The main thing that keeps me from rating this higher is that I do feel like the plot isn't the strongest, and Pulo as a main character wasn't my favourite. That being said, I still think that this is a very solid entry to the series and one I'd recommend to anyone who's read the series and just wants a little more of this world, but my personal recommendation would be to read this after you've read the series to get the most out of the themes and political relations discussed in this novella.