The Premise
Amber Chen's Of Jade and Dragons is a book that pulls you into it from the first chapter and doesn't let go. It is the story of Aihui Ying, an eighteen-year-old young woman who has a dream of becoming an engineer, just like her father. But her life is shattered when her father is brutally killed, leaving her only his secret journal and a jade pendant that was ripped from the killer. That single heartbreaking moment pushes her to the capital city of Fei, where she intends to get to the bottom of his murder while also finding her way into the elite Engineers Guild, a institute where women are not allowed.
In theory, this is perhaps a familiar story of revenge combined with a girl-in-disguise-as-a-boy premise, but Chen turns it into much more. Picture an East Asian-influenced world set atop steampunk-invented trappings, with flying vessels and intricate guild politics. That's the playing field Ying finds herself in, and it's every bit as exciting and deadly as it sounds.
Ying's tale is not merely about deceivingly dressing up to join a boys' club—it's about loss, grit, the thirst for learning, and the bravery to fight for what she believes in even if it takes away everything.
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Aihui Ying – The Heart of the Story
Ying is quite possibly one of my favorite YA heroines in a long time. She's not perfect, and that is why she's so great. She can be naive, irresponsible, and obstinate to the point of self-destruction, but she can also be determined, resourceful, and fearless in ways that make you want to cheer her on every step of the way. She's not a sword-fighter, she's strong in her head and imagination. She can engineer, fix, and problem-solve her way out of things other people would abandon. That's what makes her so interesting in a genre where "strong female character" is increasingly code for "can punch everyone in the face."
Her sorrow at having lost her father is another central element of her storyline. Although the book doesn't stay long on excessive mourning, the loss motivates everything Ying does, from breaking into the guild to enduring deadly trials that can kill her. There's also an interesting layer to discovering she didn't quite know her father as well as she believed. By reading about Ying's past in the journal and discovering the secrets within the guild, Ying learns about facets of his life that lead her to wonder not only who he once was, but what kind of legacy she'll establish for herself.
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The disguise plot—Ying pretending to be her brother in order to participate in the trials of apprenticeship—is tense and a pleasure to read. It raises the stakes for every encounter because being found out would not only mean her failure but also that she will die. Seeing her play this double role while remaining true to herself kept me tense and made the story breathe.
Above all, Ying is not influenced by what people around her want. Again and again, she shows that she'll hold on to what is right even at the cost of losing support, power, or even the prince who obviously has a soft spot for her. She's that kind of heroine who motivates you without ever coming across as having been written to be flawless.
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Characters, Relationships, and the Romance Factor
One of the strongest aspects of Of Jade and Dragons is the supporting cast who revolve around Ying. They are all interesting in their own way, and none of them ever feel like sidekicks.
The eighth prince of the High Command, Ye-Yang, is by far the most interesting of them. He's taciturn, calculating, and emotionally torn by his role in the political structure. His relationship with Ying starts as a convenience but gradually develops into something rich and bittersweet. Theirs is a relationship written with just the right amount of tension and soft affection—it's not insta-love, but it's certainly not a slow-burn that lasts an eternity. Rather, it's natural, full of tiny moments of trust, uncertainty, and soft concern.
And then there's Ye-Kan, who is first presented as the quintessential annoying rival and slowly develops into one of Ying's most trusted confidants. His development was one of my absolute favorites of the novel, and by the end, I found myself actually invested in his character. There's even a touch of second-lead syndrome here, which created an additional emotional pull.
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The other supporting characters, such as Chang-En, add humor and warmth to the bleak plot. This cast collectively creates the guild as a living, breathing space where friendships and rivalries are ever-changing.
And then there's the romance. Yep, it's a YA fantasy, so naturally there's going to be romance, and yep, it's swoon-worthy. It's Ye-Yang's admiration of Ying's skills that makes their relationship sparkle. He does not attempt to overshadow her or insist on dictate her choices. Rather, he stands by her side, even when they disagree. That shared respect lends strength to their relationship, and although it does not drive the plot, it hums in the background.
And let's be real—Ye-Yang will make you melt. He's assured, in his own subtle way, charming, and definitely the type of prince readers will fall for. But what I enjoyed most is the fact that Ying never allows her increasing feelings for him to take a back seat to her desires. The romance enriches the story but does not overpower it, which is precisely how I enjoy my YA fantasy romances.
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Final Thoughts
Amber Chen's Of Jade and Dragons is the sort of YA fantasy/sci-fi hybrid that is refreshing in an oversaturated genre. With its East Asian-inspired silkpunk world, a tough and imperfect heroine, and a combination of challenges, politics, mystery, and romance, it gets it all right.
Sure, it isn’t perfect—some parts may feel a little convenient, and the engineering-heavy jargon might slow down certain readers—but overall, it’s an exhilarating ride that combines heart-pounding tension with emotional depth.
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Most importantly, this book gave me exactly what I’ve been craving in YA fantasy: a heroine who’s clever, determined, and unwilling to let love or power distract her from her true mission. Ying’s story is inspiring, heartbreaking, and thrilling all at once.
For me, it's a no-brainer 5 stars. If you like Asian-inspired fantasy, STEM heroines, undercover disguises, and a smidge of romance that never overpowers the main plot, Of Jade and Dragons is a must-read.
