What a weird one this was for me. This is more of a 3.5 star book because ultimately the writing, the storytelling, the world building, the characterization is all a 4 star read, but did I really like this book? No, I don't think so.

I've discovered that no matter how good a book is, I really just do not care for organized crime/gang/clan war stories. Not one bit.

Also, there was a really weird disconnect for me toward the end, when we get a glimpse of a narrative chapter

Spoiler

from the Espanian military officer. The way you see them talk about Kekon and the characters we know from an outside perspective, with much more "modern" sounding language to describe their clan war and the jade...it all felt so icky and colonial. It bothered me more than I expected, but I suppose that's set up for book 2.

Loved the world building and the dynamics of the Kaul siblings, loved where it ended, but it just isn't for me. I am curious about where the world will go on in book 2, but I don't think I'm curious enough to get over my dislike for organized crime stories.

Popsugar 2021 Reading Challenge: A book with a gem, mineral, or rock in the title.