The clan is my blood and pillar is it's master

I'm not crying, you're crying! 😢 Fonda Lee, why did you have to stomp on my heart like that?

The Greenbone Saga  is an epic tale of familial bonds, clan wars, and intricate politics. This series features the most elaborate and realistic political landscape I have ever encountered in a fantasy novel with an exceptional world building, and a deeply moving story.

Jade Legacy spans over two decades, delving deeper into the lives of the Kauls and the politics of Janloon. The writing is so immersive that you feel as if you are witnessing the growth of these characters, their heartbreaks, and their joys in real time. You laugh with them, cry with them, and grow to love them. As you see them evolve, you understand the decisions they make, even those they wouldn't have considered in the first book. Their shifting loyalties and changing perceptions all make sense, even when they make unexpected choices. The character work in this series is phe-no-me-nal!!!!

Over these two decades, we not only witness the characters’ development but also the shift in political dynamics and the public’s perception of Jade. I believe this is exactly how things would unfold if Jade were real and confined to a single small island.

The Kauls are forced to constantly adapt to the ever-changing political dynamics of the world. Their strategies evolve, alliances shift, and new threats emerge, challenging their dominance at every turn.

I appreciated how they took realistic approaches, such as investing in marketing and movies to destigmatize Jade. And most importantly it didn't happen over night. It took them decades to achieve their goal. Anden's struggle to legalize Jade for medical use was also a very compelling plot point, and added depth to the story, showing the complexities of changing societal norms.

The Mountain clan, under the cunning leadership of Ayt Mada, always seems to be one step ahead. She is one of my favorite villains of all time. You can hate her but you can't deny her brilliance and resilience.

Bero is like a cockroach; his survival instincts are impressive as ever, lol.  I found his arc’s conclusion unsatisfying. However, I understand why Fonda Lee chose that direction.

Ayt Madashi, on the other hand, is a villain I’ve come to respect. She’s a one-woman army who constantly keeps the Kauls on their toes.

It's fascinating to see Kauls responding to the relentless pressure from the Mountain clan. They navigate a complex web of loyalties and betrayals, each decision a potential turning point.

This saga is more than just a story of power and politics; it's a profound exploration of the human spirit and familial bonds, and the lengths to which people will go to protect what they hold dear.

The book also explores the concept of generational trauma, showing the younger generation's struggle to break free. This becomes a point of contention between families, highlighting their struggles as they juggle family and ambition. The younger Kauls, in particular, face the challenge of honoring their legacy while trying to carve out their own paths, adding another layer of depth to the story.

This is one of the best books I have read this year.

Plot: 5 stars ★★★★★
Characters: 5 stars ★★★★★
World-building: 5 stars ★★★★★
Reread value: ★★★★★