By: Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: TOR Publishing

“All at once the soft touched reminded my that chains were still chains, even when they were chained with love and duty.”
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, Blood Jade

Blood Jade, Book 2 of the Phoenix Hoard, by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, continues the journey of Emiko Soong, the new Sentinel of San Francisco, as she navigates the complexity of this role, returning home to Tokyo after two years of self-imposed exile, and facing the demons of her past. This book was very different from Ebony Gate, but no less of an exciting fantasy that drew me in and once again immersed in Emiko’s world. I loved every moment, and being “back” felt like seeing old friends. Ms. Vee and Mr. Bebelle are masters at creating an edge-of-your-seat fantasy, with Emiko juggling so many obstacles. In Blood Jade, in addition to learning about her Sentinel power, Emiko must return home to help her brother train for the Lóng Yá, seeing her father and clan for the first time in two years, the ongoing issue with Adam displaying the Crimson Cloud Splitter Sword, and dredging up of memories of her being a failure at school and having no magic. To complicate matters even more, an assassin is after her and Fiona Tran, the flamboyant and outgoing head of Tran Clan, whom we met in Ebony Gate. I loved every moment of this book. Emiko continues to be both a brilliantly written and endearing character. Ms. Vee and Mr. Bebelle create an immersive world in Tokyo where we can clearly imagine the taste of the food, the beauty of the clothing, the hoard jewels of each clan, and of course, the Dragon magic that the clan members possess. Blood Jade continues the fantastic story of The Phoenix Hoard series, still rife with magic, swords, the hero’s journey, martial arts, and richly developed characters. I cannot recommend this book and series enough.

When I read Ebony Gate, Emiko Soong fast became one of my favorite characters in fantasy. In her, Ms. Vee and Mr. Bebelle created a complex, thought-provoking character. In Blood Jade, her arc continues to grow, especially now that she has taken the mantle of the Sentinel of San Francsico. Her past is behind her and this is a new beginning for her, even if she does have to return to Tokyo for a short period of time. I loved that she is becoming closer to Freddy Tran, Fiona’s brother, and he encourages her to “loosen up,” taking her kite boarding. Emiko is becoming friendlier with Fiona, and while she still feels pangs of jealousy that Fiona is dating her ex, Kamon, she can now be on friendly terms with him as well. She is opening herself more and realizing that she can have true friends. This was something she could not afford as the Soong Clan’s Blade and The Butcher of Beijing. She will always honor and protect her clan and family, but she is no longer their weapon.

As Jiārén, clan members have various types of magic, as illustrated in Ebony Gate. We know that Emiko’s meridians are blocked, cutting off access to any magic she may have had. Now, as the Sentinel, the magic of the city courses through her, making her feel the city and accessing its power, even though her meridians are still blocked.

“My meridians were so blocked and twisted that I could barely do the basic things other Jiārén took for granted…
But now, with the mantle of the Sentinel, I’d tapped into a wellspring of power bigger than I ever could have imagined. It was like going from riding a bike to suddenly piloting a rocket ship.”
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, Blood Jade

Emiko is not a stagnant character. She grows and is slowly learning that she can have the happiness that was denied to her all those years. It is very realistically done as well. When a person has closed themselves off to emotion for so long, they are not suddenly going to love to being hugged or used to overtures of affection. It’s a learning curve for Emiko, but she is finding that moments of affection are comforting, and she is returning those hugs, albeit awkwardly at first. Fiona is a larger than life, outgoing personality, and I think Emiko has the hardest time dealing with her for many reasons. She loves high fashion, and Emiko sees her as perfectly beautiful, and the ease at which she leads her clan. Fiona is more likely to hug and give “air kisses” (which Emiko hates!), calls her Mimi (which Emiko also hates!), and push through her barriers. When Freddy asks Emiko to protect Fiona in Tokyo while at the Lóng Yá, she cannot deny him.

““Emiko, do you remember when I told you about my Lóng Yá?…
I lost a lot of friends that year. All of them due to their families trying to outplot the others.”
Freddy pointed a finger at me and Fiona… “It’s happening here. This is how it starts. Everyone trying to get an edge over everyone else.”
Fiona huffed. “Freddy-.”
Freddy cut her off. “No Fiona. It doesn’t have to be like this-all these deals and obligations.”…
“We’re friends’ Lets act like it.”…
“Emiko, I have to stay in San Francisco while Fiona goes to Lóng Yá. Can you do me a solid and watch her back while she’s there?””
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, Blood Jade

I loved “Can you do me a solid?”! It’s so on point with Freddy’s personality. After this, we don’t see him as the remainder of the story takes place in Tokyo. Besides the Trans, the other supporting characters are back, along with some new ones. The new supporting characters are those we meet in Tokyo. These are old relationships that Emiko needs to face, and even her relationship with Adam becomes strained. Each character is beautifully crafted and they have their own unique form of magic as they are all Jiārén.

Adam and Emiko continue the contentious subject of displaying Crimson Cloud Splitter Sword at the museum. Emiko knows it will put him and the family who entrusted it to him in danger. Once the other Jiārén were aware of it, they would kill to have it in their Hoard. Adam will not listen, and forces Emiko’s hand to reveal the world that she is from, and the fact that her clan has extended protection over him. These interactions are fraught with anger. It was a great addition to the narrative to see their relationship explored more.

Much of the story takes place in Tokyo. Emiko promised her brother Tatsuya to help train him for the Lóng Yá, a contest that takes place at the end of his education. Her return home fills her with anxiety and she is unsure of how or if she will be welcomed. Tatsuya was happy to see her, and they get along so well. Her father, Zhénmíng, is very stoic and calculating, and Emiko was the most anxious at seeing him again.

“My father did not acknowledge my entrance.
He was dressed much more formally than I would have expected for a family dinner…
His eyes did not leave the paper. “Sit, Mimi.”
I knelt opposite him and waited in silence…
He turned to me and looked at me in the eyes for the first time in two years…
His eyes traced the length of my braid with the haphazard streak of white running through it [her mark as Sentinel]. The corner of his mouth twitched a micrometer. “It suits you.””
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, Blood Jade

While her father shows little warmth, it is clear he loves his children. It is simply his way not to outwardly show emotion or directly give praise. As Emiko tells him of the Shinigami, the events that happened, and losing her sword, Truth, his reaction is stoic and having an answer for everything, despite Emiko’s anger. She notes “This was my father’s twisted way of finding a silver lining.” Her father did give her a wonderful gift. He re-charged her pendant so she could have Bāo back! Oh, how I missed Bāo!

“The next moment my foo lion burst free from my hands. I knelt to wrap my arms around Bāo’s neck and tangle my fingers in his golden mane…The warmth of my lion chased away the hunger inside me.”
Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle, Blood Jade

The unique magic system was still very much a part of the story. In the Lóng Yá tournament, the competitors will be able to use their talents. It is a dangerous and often deadly tournament. Tatsuya has powerful earth magic, but he is also kind and caring. While he was not afraid of the tournament itself, he did not want to harm the people who had become his friends. He was a gentle soul amid clans who would do anything for power, and he was one day going to lead the Soong Clan. I am curious to see if he takes the lead and what kind of leader he will be. It was once again amazing to see the clan magic at work.

The world in Tokyo where the clans resided was nothing short of brilliant. Ms. Vee and Mr. Bebelle created such an immersive world, it made me feel like I was there. The detailed descriptions of the food left my stomach grumbling from hunger. I wanted to eat so much; I could practically taste it. The clothing was beautifully described, with rich embroidery with clan colors and jewels. Emiko’s formal attire was more understated, but no less gorgeous with embroidered dragons and pearls woven into the fabric, signifying her clan. The beautiful gardens of her home, the schools, and the clan area was magical. Her family gardens, with beautiful trees and flowers, were so easy to picture walking through and having a sense of immense peace. Each place was unique, drawing the reader into the deceptively beautiful world, where life and death deals are made. The juxtaposition was perfect.

So, why is this called Blood Jade? Each clan has a Hoard of jewels with one jewel unique to the clan, and they possess other valuables as well, A central tenet is to protect the hoard. The Soong Family has pearls. However, many own what is called “Blood Jade,” that can boost magic, but at a price. Using it too much causes blood jade madness, which can eventually kill the user. Using this as the backdrop, the main crux of the story is Emiko trying to find the assassin who is after her, Fiona, and her brother. She finds out about a mysterious “General,” who seems to be pulling the strings behind it all. She has quite a bit on her plate in Tokyo. I loved her interactions with her family and the other clans. Some ignored her, thinking her a disgrace for leaving The Jōkōrūkai, the school where she was trained as the Butcher of Beijing. She refused to take the final oath and left. Meeting her former teachers was especially difficult. Through this journey, Emiko learns much about herself and can finally let go of her past and be at peace as the Sentinel. She learns about friendship and trust. It continues to be Emiko’s hero’s journey. And an amazing one at that.

Overall Thoughts

Blood Jade, the second book in The Phoenix Hoard Series, was thrill ride through Tokyo of magic, swords, ancient artifacts, and ultimately finding the assassin sent to kill her, her brother, and Fiona Tran. At its heart, it also the story of Emiko coming to terms with being the Sentinel of San Francisco, facing a past she left behind two years ago, as she returns to Tokyo to help train her brother for the Lóng Yá tournament. Most of the story takes place in Tokyo, and Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle created a beautiful immersive world of the clans. Old friends return, notably Freddy and Fiona Tran, and Adam. We also meet Emiko’s family, and learn of her complicated past and how she is treated among the clans. Emiko is a strong character and has grown since Ebony Gate, and while some of the interactions are not pleasant, it gives her the closure she needs to move forward. It is a beautifully crafted story, rife with plot twists and turns, and Emiko navigating the assassin, her contentious relationship with Adam over the display over Crimson Cloud Splitter Sword, and seeing her family after two years. There were moments that brought tears to my eyes, moments of joy, and edge-of-your-seat excitement. I absolutely loved Blood Jade and the continuation of Emiko’s journey. I highly recommend both Blood Jade and Ebony Gate. You will not be disappointed!

Summary  
IT TAKES A KILLER TO CATCH A KILLER
Emiko Soong, newly minted Sentinel of San Francisco, just can’t catch a break. Just after she becomes the guardian for a sentient city, a murder strikes close to home. Called by the city and one of the most powerful clans to investigate, she traces the killer whose scent signature bears a haunting similarity to her mother’s talent.
The trail will lead her back to Tokyo where the thread she pulls threatens to unravel her whole world and bring dark family secrets to light.
Meanwhile, the General rises in the East and Emiko must fight the hidden enemies of his growing army who are amped up on Blood Jade, while keeping her promises to her brother Tatsuya as he prepares for his tourney.
Her duties as Sentinel and her loyalties collide when she must choose between hiding her deepest shame or stopping the General’s relentless march.

My sincere thanks to Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle for an ARC to review, and all the amazing book gifts! Thank you for the incredible honor of having me in the Acknowledgements. I love this series.

Find out more about Julia Vee on her website: https://juliavee.com/
Find out more about Ken Bebelle on his website: https://kenbebelle.com/

Purchase Blood Jade on Amazon
Purchase Ebony Gate on Amazon

Review of Ebony Gate

ABOUT THE AUTHORS.

Julia Vee
Julia Vee likes stories about magic, monsters, and good food. Julia was born in Macao and raised in Northern California where she attended U.C Berkeley, majoring in Asian Studies. She has been a trial lawyer for over twenty years practicing in Silicon Valley. She has lectured in colleges and law schools as adjunct faculty on business law and property law.

People ask her why she doesn’t write legal thrillers. She tells them she would write them if she could include magic in them. She is a graduate of Viable Paradise, a science fiction and fantasy residential workshop. She and her co-author Ken Bebelle started writing sword and sorcery when they were 13. Their forthcoming trilogy has been acquired by Tor and debuts with Ebony Gate in July of 2023. Ebony Gate is a contemporary fantasy with Asian elements and mythology set in the Pacific Rim.

Julia is married and met her spouse over a shared love of comics. When not in court, or writing, she can be found chauffeuring the kids to every sports meet imaginable

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