Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen (review)

Reviewed by: Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen Aaren Tucker Chen, Amber Of Jade and Dragons. Viking, 2024 480p Trade ed. ISBN 9780593622759 20. 99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593622766 10. 99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 9-12 Aihui Ying's sheltered life on a secluded isle is brutally disrupted when her father is murdered for his engineering secrets. Although his last request is for Ying to burn his journal, she cannot bring herself to let go of his designs and instead sets out to enter the Engineers Guild and uncover the truth behind his death. However, the guild does not accept girls into their membership, so Ying will have to disguise herself as a boy and pass the grueling trials in order to achieve her vengeance. Passing in both senses is easier said than done, and there are other challenges, too: Ying has to combat her father's reputation in the guild, avoid getting entangled with two princes and a war, all while keeping her father's journal safe and evading his murderer. While the narrative is somewhat dry at times, excellent world-building and a brisk, though unhurried, pace characterizes this tightly plotted steampunk adventure. Ying is a compelling character as she struggles with the ethics of building war machines and seeking vengeance, and her unfolding friendships offer nuance and warmth. Ying's story echoes classics both ancient (Mulan) and modern (Alanna: the First Adventure) as it hurtles toward its devastating conclusion, but there is plenty more to be explored in this fascinating world. Recommend this to readers who enjoyed Lin's A Magic Steeped in Poison (BCCB 2/22). Copyright © 2024 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois