Blood jade

Emiko Soong (last seen in Ebony Gate, 2023) is the new Sentinel of San Francisco. She was not trained for this magical role of protector of her adopted city; in her past life, she was a warrior. Her background serves her well, but with the establishment of her new position, lots of powerful players in the magical community are testing her. Emiko is up to the challenge, but this is not the only thing she is dealing with. People that she cares about are unknowingly messing with the delicate balance of the magical world by wanting to display an old and powerful magical item in a museum. As if Emiko was not juggling enough already, she must also solve the murder of one of her citizens. She takes her position very seriously and is not about to let anyone get away with murder, but when her investigation points toward her powerful and connected family, Emiko struggles. Readers of stories that mix speculative fiction and mystery will enjoy this series and call out for more. Fans of works like Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books or the early part of Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake adventures will enjoy the Phoenix Hoard series.

Emiko Soong has taken on her mantle as the Sentinel of San Francisco, becoming protector of the newly sentient city. When a murder occurs within an allied clan, both the city and the powerful family look to Emiko for answers. While the killer is unknown, their scent signature makes Emiko realize it is someone with powers quite similar to her own mother's shadowy talent. She must also deal with the appearance of one of the old dragons from her clan's former realm and somehow recover the Jiārén sword that her not-boyfriend Adam has. Emiko's quest leads her back to Tokyo, two years after her dramatic exit, where she must support her younger brother Tatsuya as he prepares for his school's tourney and also uncover a mysterious general who is rising in power and has a hidden army awaiting his word. Haunted by dreams that point toward shocking family secrets, Emiko will discover the truth behind her deepest flaw, forcing her to decide where her loyalty lies. VERDICT The follow-up to Ebony Gate continues to build a delightful world of family magic, Japanese culture and diaspora, and strong ties of loyalty and friendship.--Kristi Chadwick