Of Jade and Dragons is a light easy read YA fantasy about Ying who passionately following her father's step to be an excellent engineer. She had to disguise herself as a man (bcs no woman allow) to enter the well-known Engineer Guild and her ambition was fueled after the assassination of her father. She promised to look for who and why her father needed to met his end that way. 

This book has such a great potential. I love the premise, the engineering steampunk vibes in a Chinese traditional fantasy kingdom setting sounds very promising. However, this book felt a bit surface level. I'd definitely love for it to be written with more depth and atmospheric vibes.

In general, I love the friendship dynamics. It could use more academic settings and rivalry. Not so much with the romantic vibes, tho. 

The kingdom alliance, tricks and twists, and the investigation could be more thorough written. 

The plot is okay overall. the ending is kinda nice with the twists and everything. However, the final act felt anti-climatic. 

I'd love for the engines, airship, weapon, canons to be more lively and engrossing.

It was an okayish type of story. It was nice but not that great. I might want to read the next installment to see if it improves 👀

If you're into Mulan-coded YA fantasy laced with steampunk settings and a pinch of murder mystery, completed with political kingdom intricts, give this book a go 🥹✨ I see how some people might love this book.

Thankyou for the arc in exchange for honest review 🩷