Of Jade and Dragons

When I first saw the cover, I was immediately captivated by its stunning design! As soon as I read the synopsis, I was hooked. A girl disguising herself as a man to enter an engineer's guild trial and solve her father's murder? As I started this book, the vibes I got reminded me of Poppy War, another story where a young girl wants to prove she can do precisely what men can. With this kind of story, you are on the edge of your seat, just waiting for them to be discovered and for it all to be over. Ying is an exceptional character. Intelligent, headstrong, and fiercely determined to uncover the mystery behind her father's death, she carries the story beautifully. Alongside her, the two male leads, Ye-Yang and Ye-Kan, were intriguing, even though they didn't have as much focus in this book. Their dynamic as friendly academic rivals added a great layer to the story, and I hope to see more of them in book 2.
The Asian fantasy setting combined with a steampunk atmosphere was a perfect backdrop for the tale. It felt fresh and immersive, providing a unique twist to the familiar Mulan narrative.
Audiobook Review: The chosen narrator did a great job, and I could fall into this story and be involved in the book while still getting adult things done. I also appreciated that the narrator knew how the names should be pronounced, so I got the authentic sound to accompany the beautiful story.

A story of revenge? A handsome prince? All while set in a world with DRAGONS? Sign me up immediately!

Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen is a YA fantasy novel about eighteen-year-old Aihui Ying, who dreams of becoming a brilliant engineer just like her beloved father - but her life is torn apart when she arrives a moment too late to stop his murder, and worse, lets the killer slip out of reach. Left with only a journal containing his greatest engineering secrets and a jade pendant snatched from the assassin, Ying vows to take revenge into her own hands. Disguised as her brother, Ying heads to the capital city, and discovers that the answer to finding who killed her father lies behind the walls of the prestigious Engineers Guild - the home of a past her father never wanted to talk about. With the help of an unlikely ally - Aogiya Ye-yang, a taciturn (but very handsome) young prince - Ying must navigate a world fraught with rules, challenges and politics she can barely grasp, let alone understand. But to survive, she must fight to stay one step ahead of everyone. And when faced with the choice between doing what's right and what's necessary, Ying will have to decide if her revenge is truly worthwhile, if it means going against everything her father stood for . . .

I LOVED this book. With immaculate vibes, airships and other steampunk stuff that reminded me of Scott Westerfeld's Levithan, AND a backdrop of a murder mystery. It's just *chef's kiss*.

What I loved most about this book is how Chen put the plot and worldbuilding at the forefront, and the romance in the back. I'm not always the biggest fan of books that make the romance the main selling point. Regardless, Chen knows how to write romance! Especially with a male love interest with dimples (which you don't see that often in YA now-adays.)

But no matter how much I loved this book, the writing style kept throwing me off. It was a lovely and lyrical at times. But was almost constantly clunky. Plus I feel like Chen tells more than she shows. But at the same time, this is Chen's FIRST book. There are going to be some pitfalls before she finds the rhythm of her writing style.

Regardless, I LOVED this book. I would highly recommend it whoever would listen. Because I feel like EVERYONE needs to read this Mulan x steampunk novel!