Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
“‘To yearn for great opportunity without the courage to accept great risk is naive.’ My father used to say that.”
Of Jade and Dragons is a Mulan retelling mixed with steampunk fantasy and the vibes were excellent in this book. I loved the obvious research and effort put in to try and keep you immersed in the story, but sadly the actual writing and plot kept pulling me back out. While it was YA, I felt like the story could’ve had more depth and been more dynamic to keep readers of all ages engaged. It felt more ‘tell rather than show’ in many instances and I wish we could see the characters develop more! The last 10% of the book was the best and I would read the next book if it felt more like that. This writing style will likely work for some folks but sadly I just didn’t love it. I would be willing to read more from the author in the future to see how she grows as a writer!🐲

This book is indeed like Mulan where the main protagonist is pitted into joining an apprenticeship to honor her father and to utilize his secret book. I think if you like silk fantasy and a story on proving oneself, you’ll like this one.

Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group for giving me access to this ARC. Ying might be one of my personal heroes now. If you're looking for a badass female main character, this is the book for you. The fact that this is a debut novel astounds me. The writing was amazing and the side characters stole my heart! I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a good fantasy read!

I really love silk punk, and there were some nifty ideas here. Unfortunately, I kept putting the book down when I could predict what was going to happen next. The crucial emotional twists and turns tended to be reported in trite, overused expressions, which did not help the characters to become memorable. There is a great deal of promise in this writer; I will look for the next.

Of Jade and Dragons had an interesting premise and I was super excited to get into it.

Unfortunately, I think this book needed more development and editing. My main issue was that there was minimal characterization for the main characters. Aside from what we already know from the summary, I could not tell you anything particular about Ying or Ye-yang. Of Jade and Dragons felt like an extended outline rather than a fully fleshed out novel. I can appreciate a slower, contemplative approach to character writing, but that wasn't here. Ying sort of meandered around the plot and the high stakes felt like an afterthought.

I was glad to see Qing dynasty and Manchu elements be incorporated into the setting. Still, I thought the world building was lacking in terms of the engineering and technology in the silk punk setting. The engineering was underutilized and merely set dressing. The author has a bunch of really interesting ideas, but all those ideas aren't executed in an impactful way, which made it difficult for me to invest in the characters since the world was rather bland. On the plus side, I quite liked the ending. I wish there was more stuff like that for the bulk of the book, though.

I want to be fair with my review, since I know this is a YA fantasy and not an adult fantasy. I felt even given that this is a YA, the complexity of the story honestly feels more middle grade with mentions of violence and brothels as flimsy justification to place this into the YA category.

I really wanted to enjoy Of Jade and Dragons, but the execution fell short. I think fans of Song of Six Realms and Darker by Four would really enjoy it if they like the writing styles in those books. I personally didn't love either of those books, but I think the target audiences for these titles would overlap. While the writing style in this book didn't wow me, I think it's serviceable. My issues are more with fleshing out the characters and polishing the story's emotional impact rather than anything about the prose.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC for review!

Aihui Ying has always wanted to be an engineer like her father. There is only one problem with that, though: she is a girl, and the Engineers’ Guild only takes boys. But when her father is murdered, leaving her his notebook with his most secret designs, Ying has no choice but to head to the capital and seek acceptance in the Engineers’ Guild. After all, all the clues about her father’s death lead back to it, and to the designs he was secretly working on. Ying will have to disguise herself as her younger brother, and use every bit of her intelligence as she both seeks to obtain a spot in the Guild, and solve her father’s murder at the same time.

I received an advanced reading copy of Of Jade and Dragons in exchange for an honest review.

Of Jade and Dragons is a young adult novel by Amber Chen. I’m actually having a hard time giving it a genre. There’s nothing in this book that feels fully magic-based, and, in fact, due to its focus on technology and engineering, I kind of want to call it science fiction, but the setting is an older Chinese-inspired world rather than the space ships or futuristic cities you would expect from a science fiction novel. Maybe steampunk? But it was precisely this blend that makes this novel magical.

From the beginning, we have Ying fighting against stigmas and what society believes she should be doing. In fact, it’s one of the first things she’s told in this novel: she’s told she’s one of the chief’s oldest daughters, and should be looking after her younger siblings. But Ying refuses to just settle into a role she knows isn’t right for her, and wants to follow her dreams. Of course, her dreams get somewhat derailed, but I absolutely loved how determined Ying was every step of the way, and even as new obstacles kept emerging and blocking her path, she continued to find ways around them.

And there’s plenty of them to be sure! After all, Ying is keeping many balls in the air. She’s pretending to be a boy, she’s fiercely competing to be in the Engineers’ Guild, she’s trying to solve the mystery of her father’s death, all while dealing with a complicated relationship she forms with a prince.

Yup! There is some romance happening here! And while it might technically be a spoiler, it’s a minor one, since the book’s summary does mention this “tangled relationship.” And it certainly is tangled! I actually appreciated how complicated it was, especially as I began to pick up more and more about the prince, Ye-yang, who is himself tangled up in the politics of a kingdom on the brink of war.

All of these plot threads, plus Ying’s determination and the combination of the classic historical city with modern engineering made for such a compelling read. I had such a fun time reading this book, and actually exclaimed out loud a few times while reading it. The man sitting next to me on the bus was a little confused when I audibly gasped, for sure, and when I reached the end and was practically shaking in my seat on the train, I got a few more weird stares.

Of Jade and Dragons was a great read, and one I would easily recommend to both fans of fantasy and steampunk. This book has elements that would appeal to both, and they, like me, are likely to end up waiting for news about the sequel. Yup, there’s going to be a sequel! I don’t have any news on it yet, but I’ll be excited to learn more!

Of Jade and Dragons was released a few days ago! You can order your copy from Viking Books for Young Readers here, or from anywhere books are sold.

Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen is a captivating example of the silkpunk genre, a unique blend of fantasy and technology that is sure to intrigue readers. And it's reminiscent of the Mulan story's rich world-building and engaging plot. This novel held my attention from start to finish, offering a fresh and intriguing take on these genres.

The main characters in 'Of Jade and Dragons' are developed exquisitely, and their interactions are not just intriguing, but also deeply human, fostering a strong sense of connection with the reader. The main character, Ying, is stubborn and champions what is right even when it's a hard choice. Her interactions with Ye-Yang felt authentic and grew over time, which I found particularly engaging. Ye-Yang is a decent, almost bland male lead, but his individuality shines as the story progresses, making the reader feel a strong sense of connection and investment in their journey. You'll find yourself rooting for them as they navigate their complex world.

While the story was engaging overall, it started too slowly for my tastes, and I struggled with unfamiliar Chinese terms dating back to the Qing dynasty. They were unknown to me, and I didn't find them described enough so my reading could flow smoothly. This might resonate with readers who prefer a faster pace and are unfamiliar with Chinese history and culture. However, knowing these aspects beforehand will help you better appreciate the story's unique setting and cultural references, preparing you for a more immersive reading experience.

DNF @ 20%

Unfortunately I just can’t seem to get into this one. I loved the idea and I love silkpunk fantasy, but I am really struggling with the pacing and writing. The dialogue is coming across very stilted and it felt really predictable. I am really bummed because I was so excited for this book! I just don’t want to get into a reading slump.

Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars. The ratings on goodreads for Of Jade and Dragons are lower than I would have expected, and I think that's because this is being promoted as a fantasy book and has "dragon" in the title. However, upon reading this one, I wouldn't really qualify this as fantasy (it's more steam punk), and there are no dragons... at least not in a way you would expect from a book with "dragon" in the title. So I think because of that, for many, this is a case of the book not being what they expected, causing some to ultimately be disappointed. I had no expectations, and don't feel disappointment at all. My main reason for requesting this one was that it was Mulan inspired and I LOVE Mulan. And it turns out, I really enjoyed Of Jade and Dragons. After Ying's father is murdered, she leaves rural life behind and heads to the capital to enter the yearly competition to join the Engineer's Guild. But she's not at the guild just because she loves engineering (which she does), she's there to figure out who is responsible for her father's murder. And oh yeah, girls aren't allowed, so Ying disguises herself as a boy. I enjoyed the general plot behind this one (aka Ying's quest to find more information about her father's murder), but I also enjoyed all the cool tech and engineering feats, AND I enjoyed the budding romance between Ying and one of the princes! This is YA, so as is typical for most books that feature teenage characters, emotions run HIGH. And even though Ying tries to act like an adult, she definitely has her moments (and to be fair, so does her romantic interest). All in all, I really enjoyed this one. This is my first Mulan retelling and it won't be my last. I can also see myself picking up book 2... with how things ended, I'm definitely curious to see how the relationships evolve.

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Of Jade and Dragons is an adventurous story mixed with academia and murder mystery. Aihui Ying is a young girl who shares her father’s passion for engineering. When she bears witness to his assassination, she goes on a quest to uncover the truth. This leads Ying to the prestigious engineering guild her father worked for. Disguised as her brother, Ying passes the trials and gains entry into the guild. Danger lurks in every corner and Ying isn’t sure who she can trust. If her disguise breaks, she will be convicted of treason. But if she leaves the guild, she will never find her father’s killer.

The story has an interesting plot, but once again I got baited into reading a YA book. Although it’s not my personal preference, the story was entertaining. I enjoyed Aihui Ying’s headstrong character and her determination to not let anything deter her. I’ve given the book three stars because of how long it took me to finish it. I’m conflicted about this one because the book was well written, it just felt dull for me and didn’t stand out. Overall, this would be a great book if you love YA fantasy. Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for the advance reader copy.

This book is so cute! I loved it but I wish the characters were a bit older. That’s just me tho. I think the mulan esque vibes were awesome and I can’t wait to get a physical copy of this one!

I really enjoyed this Asian inspired YA novel. It was refreshing to have a female MC who stuck to her morals and principles instead of just blindly following a love interest. It sets a good example for girls (and women, to be fair) everywhere to follow. I was definitely invested in the characters.

The plot was good, although it was also quite simple and easy to work out. The pacing was quick enough to maintain the flow and keep my interest.

I would have liked to see a bit more of the worldbuilding. I enjoyed the guild and the trials the apprentices undertook, but it would have been nicer to see learn more of the history between the Empire and the Isles, for example.

I will definitely look forward to the next one.

A solid 3.5 star read. I found the plot and drive of the characters really well done. I enjoyed the unique parts of this story and am excited to see where this story goes.

Famous last words. What harm could there be in reading a book?

I love that Ying is not letting things go or just acquiesce to her fathers fears. She needs to go and explore, experience for herself. A truly scientific woman. Never just accept always test always strive to be better.

The writing was easy to follow and get pulled into the story. The steampunk atmosphere created is intriguing and challenges your mind to create the story described. I look forward to seeing more of Ying. It was a little bit of struggle with the names and titles pronunciation.

beautiful cover and writting i loved it. i founded it extremely interesting and really love both ye-yand and ying.
fav character is ye-kan though love him.

I found the beginning of the book to be quite slow since it did not have much action.I really liked the world, and even through words, I knew it was beautiful. The building of world politics were explained in an easy-to-understand way, which I liked. Overall, the writing was easy but also gorgeous; it just had a certain vibe to it that made me love the story even more. Maybe because it was in the third person, I didn't fully connect with the characters. At some points, I found Ying to be self-absorbed, like when she spoke harshly to Ye-kan, and instead of apologizing, she was like, "He will come back just like my family did, knowing how I am," which made me not so happy about her character.
I loved the story being inspired by Mulan because I love Mulan.
I wasn't disappointed at all; I really loved the story and the characters (mostly Ye-kan).

A delightfully easy to read book with airships, chimeras, a mysterious murder and a guild full on intriguing secrets. I flew through the pages quicker than expected and found myself lost in its world. Ying is quite the enchanting girl and Yang I found myself constantly curious about. I continued to puzzle over all that happened in the past with her father and guild and found myself amazingly surprised.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

Of Jade and Dragons follows teen Aihui Ying who seeks to follow in her father's footsteps -- and uncover the identity of his murderer -- by joining the Engineers Guild disguised as a boy.

This was a stunning and fast-paced read that had me glued to the page the entire time. I loved the steampunk world we were immersed in, I loved our bold and smart main character, I loved the academic vibes and the murder mystery and everything else. For me, this was almost as good as it gets for a first book in a series. I did think some plot points were a little overly convenient, and I would've loved to spend even more time sinking into this world and the scope of everything, but overall I think this is an incredibly solid start and I will definitely be picking up the rest of the series!

The premise of this book sounded very interesting and I was intrigued up until 28%. The story dragged for me and I was not interested enough to want to finish the story. Others might find it interesting as it seems to take a different look at women masking as men.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Of Jade and Dragons" by Amber Chen is a captivating mystery that combines elements of Asian fantasy, steampunk, and a coming-of-age tale. With its intelligent and relatable protagonist, Ying, and a richly detailed world, this book offers an engaging and fresh twist on familiar themes/stories (like Mulan). This book features an intelligent female main character who is extremely skilled in engineering, and I loved the focus on engineering throughout the book, especially with Ying’s inventive creations, like a fan that can shoot out darts.

Ying is a strong and determined young woman who disguises herself as a man to enter an engineer’s guild trial and solve her father’s murder. Her journey is filled with trials, both academic and personal, that challenge her resolve and intelligence. Ying's character is particularly relatable for readers who appreciate a heroine that defies traditional gender roles and pursues her dreams against all odds (similar to Mulan).

The worldbuilding in "Of Jade and Dragons" is immersive and unique, with an Asian-inspired setting that provides a vibrant backdrop for the story. The steampunk atmosphere, complete with airships and intricate guilds, adds a layer of intrigue and excitement. As stated earlier, I absolutely loved the engineering aspects, like with the cannons on the airships and with the mysterious elements that can be used to create weapons of destruction. However, it's worth noting that while the title mentions dragons, they are not the traditional fantasy dragons readers might expect. Instead, the story leans more towards a sci-fi feel with minimal magical elements. I was a bit disappointed in this due to the title and cover depicting dragons, though there are some interesting animatronic/chimera characters and creatures in the book.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its blend of academic trials and a murder mystery. The plot keeps you on your toes as Ying navigates the complexities of the guild while uncovering the truth about her father's death with little clues strewn about as Ying goes through the engineering trials. The mystery aspect is well-executed, with surprising twists and revelations that add depth to the story, though I did want more of a focus on both the mystery and the engineering itself in the first half of the book.

The writing is witty and accessible, making it a quick and delightful read. The romance is cute and has slow development, which I enjoyed. There wasn’t any insta-love, and the romance wasn’t prominent throughout as the mystery and engineering plot points were the main focus. The ending, while unexpected, stays true to Ying's character and sets the stage for future installments, and I definitely can’t wait for the next book.

"Of Jade and Dragons" is a fantastic start to what promises to be an exciting series. It is a perfect palate cleanser for those looking for a lighter, yet still engaging, read. Fans of YA thrillers, Asian fantasy, and steampunk will find much to love in this novel. Amber Chen has crafted a world and characters that have left me eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Retellings are hard for me to read because I expect to read what I already know and pray there is enough of a twist that it feels new. I feel like this one fell flat in that regard. It was a very hard book for me to read and finish because it seemed kinda dull. I wanted more excitement and less building.