Fight Clubbing: The Kekonese-Espenians maintain a couple of underground fight clubs for "grudge matches", which are publicly sanctioned in Kekon but not legal in Espenia. Some of the younger and more-assimilated members of the community object, while their parents want to maintain the tradition. Break His Heart to Save Him: Horrifically deconstructed. After constant internal struggle Shae decides to break things off with Maro, as she finds it too difficult to juggle her responsibilities as the Weather Man of No Peak and her relationship with her well-meaning but narrow-minded boyfriend, by confessing to her greatest breach of trust: aborting their unborn child without consulting them. Maro is understandably devastated by this, and unable to place his faith in her or the No Peak clan, he leaves before telling her of the threats made to his family by Barukan gang members. This leads to him playing a role in the failed attempt on Hilo's forcing her to kill him to spare him from suffering a worse fate. Super-Toughness: The Steel ability; special mention goes to Gont Asch, who used this ability to survive a death of consequence.

Shae, sister who left Kekon for study, chasing an ex, Gerald. Her conflict is about finding her identity apart from her family. Everyone tries to forgive her, but she is the one who’s been wronged. All that mortals could do was accept the lot they were given, and yet still fight to better their own fate and that of their loved ones.” Asshole Victim: There are some truly despicable individuals who buy the farm in this story. None of whom will be missed. Now, the war is over and a new generation of Kauls vies for control of Kekon's bustling capital city. They care about nothing but protecting their own, cornering the jade market, and defending the districts under their protection. Ancient tradition has little place in this rapidly changing nation. The Republic of Espenia is basically the United States, a technologically advanced superpower with a materialistic and Western inspired culture, which has far flung naval bases all over the world. Even it’s capital city of Adamont Capita is refereed to colloquially as A.C. This is reinforced once the world map ◊ was revealed, as it shows that the Republic of Espenia has co-opted the name of the continent (Spenius) for itself, just like the US did with the name of its continent (America).Hufflepuff House: There are some 15 clans in Kekon, but you wouldn't know it from the amount of screen-time they get in the novels. You Kill It, You Bought It: A Green Bone who kills another Green Bone in a fight is entitled to the loser's jade. The international war ends with an Ygutanian victory. The Mountain Clan takes in barukan refugees, swelling their numbers. Shae confronts Ayt Mada, and the conflict between the Mountain and No Peak resumes. Bero joins up with resistance fighters within Janloon who plan to overthrow the city's clan system.

The best way to describe Jade City would be… tense. Despite the length, this book is genuinely stressful from start to finish. Lee’s talent is at building a world that seems tense, but generally okay… and then breaking things down, bit by bit. The setup is intriguing, sure, but the real satisfaction (and tears) comes in seeing it all fall to pieces. There’s a grand focus on setup and payoff, especially with regards to characters. Sequel Goes Foreign: Jade City takes place on Kekon, almost exclusively on the city Janloon. Starting with Jade War the characters visit foreign countries, with mayor plotlines taking place entirely on Espenia. Not Only Blood. Before he was the heir apparent of the No Peak clan, Kaul Lan challenged his grandfather and clan patriarch to help a boy who had lost everything. The Chains of Commanding: Lan, who feels that he must live up to the standards set by his father and grandfather. If 'The Godfather' never was, 'Jade War' (and 'Jade City') would be how we define generational organized crime stories today.An instantly absorbing tale of blood, honor, family, and magic, spiced with unexpectedly tender character beats." — NPR Granddaughter Cormorant. Before she left and returned to Kekon, Kaul Shae was the apple of her grandfather’s eye…as well as a daring secret informer to a foreign country. Contains an introduction and story notes by the author. When a powerful new drug emerges that lets anyone — even foreigners — wield jade, the simmering tension between the Kauls and the rival Ayt family erupts into open violence. The outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all Green Bones — from their grandest patriarch to the lowliest motorcycle runner on the streets — and of Kekon itself. Disproportionate Retribution: According to Deitist beliefs, anybody who commits violence in front of a penitent not only damns the culprit, but ensures that their entire family line - past, present, and future - will never be allowed into Heaven on the day of the Return.