Review Detail

When this book was announced I was so excited to read it. Unfortunately, it took me longer than I care to admit to finally pick it up. But I'm glad I did. Honestly, the beginning was a little slow for me which is why I couldn't give it fully 5 stars. While creating and establishing a new fantasy world takes time, understanding what was happening took a little longer. This caused the delay in the beginning for myself. Once I comprehended the world and the plot, I really dove into the book. I finished it so fast because I wanted to know how it was going to end. I really enjoyed the way the story played out. Apparently, I'm the opposite in this situation because most reviewers enjoyed the first half but I felt like all the connections and action happened in the second. The beginning felt forced and a little rushed while the ending to me took more of it's time to flush it out. My issue is there is no known sequel for this book and the way it ended, it feels like there should be. I know debuts tend to not promise a sequel but then they should at least have an ending.

Ahn and Altan were our main characters and I adored them both. Ahn had no memories of her past and grew up with her "grandmother". Even though Ahn was a thief, it was still clear she knew morally right and wrong. After an incident with some guards after being caught stealing, her whole life is changed when she is reunited with her Father and her powers become known. Altan is a prince whom is believed to be dead but looking for revenge for his family. Altan's story arc is more flushed than Ahn because he has to overcome that sense of revenge and determine a path for himself that he is willing to walk. However, I loved these two together and even though most of their book was spent apart, it was apparent how they'd come to be.

Overall, Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan was a great debut novel. The beginning was slower for me while establishing the world and plot but I felt like the story really picked up after. I flew through the book and continuously wanted to know what was happening next. The main characters were so easy to get behind and each one had their own obstacles to overcome. Altan's story was more flushed out due to his arc but I adored Ahn all the same. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy, prophecies, and magic.