Hidden by Jade - Ebook #5

What do you do when you are are concerned about a friend that is not answering your calls and that you are housebound knowing that if you leave your house, the protection on it will not cover you and outside you may meet your fate?
Apiya once again has a dilemma and guess what she leaves the house only to result in it ending in a very serious result between herself and the Majak Elders. Can she survive and if so how will she get herself out of this one?

Apiya is still supposed to be confined to her home. But when Ilmu goes missing, she can't make herself stay home. So, when Tim, of all creatures, offers to help her get out to get information she jumps on the chance. Unfortunately, her outing has unintended consequences and she winds up trapped in another realm with yet another supernatural who wants to use her for their own gain. It's even more important than ever for Apiya to keep her secret, but she sets events in motion that may make that impossible.
I love Apiya, but sometimes I just scream at her in my head. She can never listen and refuses to stay put. After her argument with Sarroch, I understand her reasons, but it doesn't make it any less bothersome at times. She really does mean well though and she is a more loyal friend than some of these Mayak deserve. She will definitely not give up on herself or anyone else. I always love Tim's snark and cat attitude, but Tim really stepped up in this book. I mean, as much as Tim can. It may not have been the right choice, but darn it Tim was there for Apiya.
This book has a lot of build up for what is to come for Apiya. She is slowly learning what the Mayaks are "discussing" and the reason why Sangong wanted to keep her true identity a secret. Once that secret is out, Apiya will be in even more danger. And she is already in enough danger! Once again, she is thrust into a life-or-death situation with no good way out and makes her situation even more dire. It's hard to mention without spoilers, but boy is the ending of this book a doozy! With these books being so quick and easy to read, it's so easy to get lost in the story and once again I am left wanting to know how they will get her out of this.

Excellent entertainment
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 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.

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.

A great next installment!!

Apiya has come a long way from being a mere barber to the magical beings of Panong
You gotta love a heroine who will put herself in danger to help a friend out. In Hidden-by-Jade, Apiya does just that. But in doing so, she will bring even more trouble to herself. And if you have been reading the series, you know that her friends will try to help her, but in the end, Apiya is the one that does all the heavy lifting. Still, friends are good.
Unless that friend is Sarroch. That particular relationship is getting quite complicated. Sarroch�s wife hates Apiya, but has struck a bargain with her (agreeing not to kill Apiya). Sarroch knows nothing of the bargain. And it is beginning to look like Apiya will not be able to fulfill her side of the bargain. Our heroine�s Mayak friends seem to cause nothing but trouble.
By the end of Hidden-by-Jade, the reader comes to realize that Apiya has come a long way from being a mere barber to the magical beings of Panong. And she still has a long way to go. The story will continue
Honestly, the Razor�s Edge Chronicles is my favorite series of the year. It has several things going for it. First, rapid release. 5 books so far in 2021. Short books yes, but 5 books. There is an engaging, quirky heroine who never met cat, dog, turtle, etc. she didn�t like. She lives in a fascinating city. There is a cat � a talking cat � with so much attitude and ego he is impossible not to love. Plus the usual non-stop action, magic, danger and hope.
Many thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.

You gotta love a heroine who will put herself in danger to help a friend out. In Hidden-by-Jade, Apiya does just that. But in doing so, she will bring even more trouble to herself. And if you have been reading the series, you know that her friends will try to help her, but in the end, Apiya is the one that does all the heavy lifting. Still, friends are good.
Unless that friend is Sarroch. That particular relationship is getting quite complicated. Sarroch�s wife hates Apiya, but has struck a bargain with her (agreeing not to kill Apiya). Sarroch knows nothing of the bargain. And it is beginning to look like Apiya will not be able to fulfill her side of the bargain. Our heroine�s Mayak friends seem to cause nothing but trouble.
By the end of Hidden-by-Jade, the reader comes to realize that Apiya has come a long way from being a mere barber to the magical beings of Panong. And she still has a long way to go. The story will continue
Honestly, the Razor�s Edge Chronicles is my favorite series of the year. It has several things going for it. First, rapid release. 5 books so far in 2021. Short books yes, but 5 books. There is an engaging, quirky heroine who never met cat, dog, turtle, etc. she didn�t like. She lives in a fascinating city. There is a cat � a talking cat � with so much attitude and ego he is impossible not to love. Plus the usual non-stop action, magic, danger and hope.
Many thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.

Very little resolution
**minor spoilers**
This book starts out with Apiya dealing with the revelations and repercussions from the events that happened at the end of the last book, Marked-by-Azurite. She is scared yet chafing at the need for her to stay in her home. Add to that the fact that she cannot get in touch with Ilmu and you have a recipe for poor choices. Which she makes, unfortunately. In the end, she is able to help Ilmu but lands herself in even deeper trouble than she already was.
There were many interesting aspects to this book. For instance, we meet quite a few more Mayak and learn a little more about those we have already met. It also brings the fact that they are definitely not benevolent beings even more into focus. The author also explores the ideas of existence and the remorse that comes when someone is forced to do something terrible, even if it is for a good reason. I found how Apiya and Ilmu physically travel through Ilmu�s memories to be very intriguing. That being said, I will admit I found myself very frustrated with Apiya and her choices. In each book she gets herself into worse and worse tangles, and even though Chai talks sense to her and Sarroch talks sense to her, she still goes off to do something incredibly hare-brained. She always has a good reason in her head as to why she should do it but when things go sideways, she always looks outside herself for resolution. And to be honest, what happens between her and Sarroch at the end of the book was a little questionable, given that Sarroch is magically bonded/married to Yue, also a little confusing. Still, I felt like maybe the author is bringing Apiya to a cusp, putting her in a position where she will have to grow and become self-reliant. I guess we will see.
I received an ARC of this book and choose to voluntarily leave my honest review.

**minor spoilers**
This book starts out with Apiya dealing with the revelations and repercussions from the events that happened at the end of the last book, Marked-by-Azurite. She is scared yet chafing at the need for her to stay in her home. Add to that the fact that she cannot get in touch with Ilmu and you have a recipe for poor choices. Which she makes, unfortunately. In the end, she is able to help Ilmu but lands herself in even deeper trouble than she already was.
There were many interesting aspects to this book. For instance, we meet quite a few more Mayak and learn a little more about those we have already met. It also brings the fact that they are definitely not benevolent beings even more into focus. The author also explores the ideas of existence and the remorse that comes when someone is forced to do something terrible, even if it is for a good reason. I found how Apiya and Ilmu physically travel through Ilmu�s memories to be very intriguing. That being said, I will admit I found myself very frustrated with Apiya and her choices. In each book she gets herself into worse and worse tangles, and even though Chai talks sense to her and Sarroch talks sense to her, she still goes off to do something incredibly hare-brained. She always has a good reason in her head as to why she should do it but when things go sideways, she always looks outside herself for resolution. And to be honest, what happens between her and Sarroch at the end of the book was a little questionable, given that Sarroch is magically bonded/married to Yue, also a little confusing. Still, I felt like maybe the author is bringing Apiya to a cusp, putting her in a position where she will have to grow and become self-reliant. I guess we will see.
I received an ARC of this book and choose to voluntarily leave my honest review.

This may very well be the best book in the series so far. At the very least it is the most dense - after the big reveal in the last book, it takes Apiya and us on a wild ride indeed. Not once, but twice, Apiya finds herself in situations that feel truly hopeless. I honestly had no idea how it would be possible to turn things around again. So, all around a fast-paced, suspenseful, and thoroughly enjoyable journey!!

Apiya’s adventures continue in Book 5 of the Razor’s Edge Chronicles, and now her identity is known amongst the Mayak, but her standing among them remains up for debate. I really enjoyed the scenes within the Baku’s world and Ilmu’s memories, the descriptions of those scenes were fantastic. Particularly entering into the Ilmu’s memories, I thought that was a really cool concept. Also Apiya’s accidental taking of Mayak life and her reaction to that was done really well.

But I must say there was a great deal of talking in this book and I didn’t always feel that it was talking that moved the plot forward.

One thing I’ve felt a bit iffy about ever since the first book in this series is the use of non-Christian deities as purely fantasy/mythological figures, and there is quite a bit of that in this book.

Apiya’s choices at the end of the book were also a bit questionable. Yes, she was in a tight spot but she put Sarroch in an even worse one (well, maybe an equally bad one). Still, the ending of this one promises new realms and characters in the next one, and I’m looking forward to seeing where that goes.

(Thank you to the author for a gratis copy in exchange for a review)

This may very well be the best book in the series so far. At the very least it is the most dense - after the big reveal in the last book, it takes Apiya and us on a wild ride indeed. Not once, but twice, Apiya finds herself in situations that feel truly hopeless. I honestly had no idea how it would be possible to turn things around again. So, all around a fast-paced, suspenseful, and thoroughly enjoyable journey!!

Apiya�s adventures continue in Book 5 of the Razor�s Edge Chronicles, and now her identity is known amongst the Mayak, but her standing among them remains up for debate. I really enjoyed the scenes within the Baku�s world and Ilmu�s memories, the descriptions of those scenes were fantastic. Particularly entering into the Ilmu�s memories, I thought that was a really cool concept. Also Apiya�s accidental taking of Mayak life and her reaction to that was done really well.

But I must say there was a great deal of talking in this book and I didn�t always feel that it was talking that moved the plot forward.

One thing I�ve felt a bit iffy about ever since the first book in this series is the use of non-Christian deities as purely fantasy/mythological figures, and there is quite a bit of that in this book.

Apiya�s choices at the end of the book were also a bit questionable. Yes, she was in a tight spot but she put Sarroch in an even worse one (well, maybe an equally bad one). Still, the ending of this one promises new realms and characters in the next one, and I�m looking forward to seeing where that goes.

(Thank you to the author for a gratis copy in exchange for a review)

The latest adventure of Apiya’s life is full of action. She now spends all her life with the Mayaks even though they are reluctant to accept her as one of them. Not content to stay safely within her “protected” house she goes in search of her missing friend Ilmu and soon endangers both of them. She is yet to tell Sarroch about her “birth” and their growing relationship seems to be doomed. Characterisation continues to be convincing and I really enjoy this series but I would prefer longer books and less cliff hangers.

What an amazing installment to this series.
It�s packed full of new insights into the world of the Mayak where no one agrees on what�s best for their society, conflict and strife abound, and everyone discounts the importance and value of those not like themselves. Sound familiar? This installment also builds on the romantic triangle that started to develop in Marked-by-Azurite. Hidden-by-Jade was a very fun read, and my only disappointment is that I�ll now need to wait for the next installment. Really looking forward to it though.
If you�re new to this series, it�s worthwhile to start with the first book �Touched-by-Magic�. The author Celine Jeanjean also has free short stories to introduce this series as well as her �Viper and the Urchin� series if you sign up for her newsletter.

The story's really picking up with this entry to the series!
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.

It�s packed full of new insights into the world of the Mayak where no one agrees on what�s best for their society, conflict and strife abound, and everyone discounts the importance and value of those not like themselves. Sound familiar? This installment also builds on the romantic triangle that started to develop in Marked-by-Azurite. Hidden-by-Jade was a very fun read, and my only disappointment is that I�ll now need to wait for the next installment. Really looking forward to it though.
If you�re new to this series, it�s worthwhile to start with the first book �Touched-by-Magic�. The author Celine Jeanjean also has free short stories to introduce this series as well as her �Viper and the Urchin� series if you sign up for her newsletter.

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.

Fantastic paranormal read!
I am so in love with this series! Each new book just pulls me deeper into the fictional country of Panong and the lives of the very magical Mayak, mildly magical Touched and unmagical Mundanes who live there.
Apiya is nothing if not a loyal friend, so when someone she cares about goes missing, she is all about finding them, even though her own life is already in significant danger from Yue, the "sort-of-wife" of her other friend, Sarroch, (for whom she might fell a bit more than friendly sometimes). She has also promised Yue that she would try to get Sarroch to give her another chance in exchange for Yue not killing her painfully.
If you enjoy paranormal adventure, humor and a dash of suspenseful romance, I highly recommend you dive into this series from the first book. You won't be disappointed.
One person found this helpful

Apiya goes to trial....
The story continues the misadventures of Apiya, when nothing can go wrong it does... this time when she tries to solve things as she does... this goes bad to worst and she's put on trial... how will Apiya resolve the problem that she put herself into it...
A funny story full of adventures that made me enjoy it from the start till the end. If you enjoyed the Viper and the Urchin stories you'll enjoy this one too and be on your toes waiting the next installment.

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.