Hidden by Jade: An Asian Urban Fantasy Series (Razor's Edge Chronicles) Paperback – July 26, 2021

I have read this entire series, because I find them excellent escapist stories. They are swift-moving, witty and really incredibly inventive. The world that Jeanjean has invented is imaginative and beautiful, and the heroine is plucky. (I hate stupid heroines.) The books are a swift read, but I feel like the characters became friends. They work best as a series. I'm in my fifties and read a lot of "serious" literature, but honestly, these delightful books are much more fun. For a road trip or a rainy day at home, just the ticket. Also could be enjoyed by young adults, but they are not YA by nature.

I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest, and early, review. Much to my wife's dismay I don't hold back. The description and other reviews tell you what this book is about. It won't make much sense of you haven't read the rest of the series to this point. The series as a whole is good, a little different from the norm and each book is short and to the point. There's not a whole lot of fluff and filler, little of the MC examining themselves. But there is enough to understand motives etc.I regularly read series, the best series follow the same rules as individual books. The first third introduces the characters and the plot. The second third tells the story, the quest, the travels of life, etc. The last third begins the climatic battle, struggle, trial whatever you want to call it followed by the resolution and hopefully an epilogue. This book is very clearly the beginning of the last third. The action is really begging to pick up and this book leaves you at bit of a cliff hanger, it most certainly carries on to the next book.Now for a gripe, the MC has power. Now she and the ready know who and what she is and that infers a certain amount of ability which should be quite a bit more than ANY ONE else, human or Mayak. I keep waiting for her to realize it and come into her power, to stand up for herself and realize that none of them truly hold any power over her.Alternatively I keep expecting her mother, her "birth" mother to make an appearance and put some beings in their places. Perhaps that's where it's headed, we'll see in a book or two.If you've read the rest keep going with this one.If you are thinking about the series try book one, it's short and fun and if it hooks you then there's enough more to make it satisfying.

Again. I can't wait till I can read the next one. Such a great series. Once I start the books I can't put them down.

This has quickly become one of my favorite series. I just wish each book were.longer!! I love the main character and the supporting cast of characters are perfect. I found this author a few months ago and her world building is so good. Her other series is good too . I recommend them wholeheartedly. Go! Immerse yourself in Asian culture and myth. It is so much fun!!

I loved books 1-3. 4 was ok but I was frustrated with a lack of progress. This was beyond frustrating. There hadn’t been any growth or evolution of the key relationships. They both felt like petulant children resisting learning. I loathe cliffhanger endings as it suggests the characters aren’t interesting enough to make you keep reading the series. Plus I am suddenly not sure I care about the characters because they’re behaving so poorly.

Apiya is remaining at home because she still doesn’t have the protection afforded by being recognized as one of the Mayak. Both Sarroch and Mr. Sangong are trying to convince the council to agree, but without that recognition, any Mayak can kill her at any time without facing any consequences.She cares a great deal for Sarroch and she trusts him, but it doesn’t mean she isn’t keeping secrets from him. Based on advice from Mr. Sangong, he still doesn’t know she was created by a goddess who wanted a daughter by stealing qi from the world, he doesn’t know about her agreement with Yue to try to convince him to care for Yue, or about her trip to the Akha village.He’s keeping secrets from her as well. He is working on her defense with the council, but can’t tell her what their concerns are or what his strategy is. And each time something Apiya does goes wrong, it seems it’s because he and others are not giving her the information she needs to stay out of trouble.Speaking of trouble, Apiya is worried about her friend, Ilmu, who she hasn’t been able to contact, so, Apiya and Chai risk going to her office to see if there are any clues to where she is. All they find is a broken piece of jade. Harmless, yes? No.As usual, Apiya’s life gets more and more complicated. There are a dozen ups and downs, and by the end of the book, her life hangs by a thread. She plays a wildcard, it fails, and Sarroch, who has stood by her through it all, looks at her and says, “I don’t know how to save you.” Could this be the end?Don’t miss the exciting twists and turns.

Yet another great story in the Razors Edge saga. The main characters are endearing, realistic, and confusing at times. The plot is easily followed and the story is a good one. I definitely recommend this book.

But this one did not finish cleanly. Apiya's life is still at risk. Sarroch and Apiya race to find a solution. This book was great. A lot happened, and I enjoyed it. But the action continues in book 6. Which I am just about to start.

Apiya is in a hole. So she does what anyone would do. She starts digging it deeper. She leaves the safety of her home to check up on her origins and things go sideways. One disaster leads to another and she's running in place just to survive. Several good reveals including her origins and why people aren't telling her what she needs to know. Like real life characters don't communicate and things go wrong as a result. It will be interesting to see how things work out.

The story continues and develop and refine and leaves one trying to anticipate what will happen next. Bring on the next book.