Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice

by Gracie Marsden

A young woman makes a bargain with a shapeshifting demon who promises her power, if she will give up love--a painful price that sets her on a dark journey in this historical fantasy inspired by Taiwanese myth

Eleventh century Taiwan. In a small village, far from the political conflicts of the royal dynasty, a too-young Yu’er is sold off to be married at the word of a jing, a shapeshifting-demon who prophesizes that her parents will thus gain wealth beyond their imagination. Her new husband Xiaozhu is, like her, barely more than a child himself—but he’s kind, and, over the years, Yu’er heals as they build a home together. They become allies, then friends, then lovers.

Until misfortune befalls them, once again at the hands of a demon. They’re left destitute and estranged. Reeling from loss, and determined to never leave her fate in another’s hands, Yu’er decides to strike her own bargain with a jing: she will have all the agency and riches she desires. She just has to leave Xiaozhu and their home together, forever—a price that will cost her more than she then understands.

Yu’er’s choice sets off a saga that will lead her to the heart of the royal court, and bring her more power than she ever dreamed of, but may kill her humanity along the way, in this sweeping tale of love, revenge, and redemption.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mythology, Historical, Adult, Asian Literature, Historical Fantasy

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication November 10, 2026

About the author

Gracie Marsden is a proud Taiwanese-American who grew up moving frequently between Taiwan and the US. Her favorite books (and writing) highlight both the beautiful and awful things that make us human. Gracie also has a deep obsession with mythology and cats. She is also the young adult librarian at the Marshall Public Library in Pocatello, Idaho. Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice is her debut novel. You can find her on Instagram @thegraciemarsden or online at www.graciemarsden.com

Reviews

[Saranya · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I am utterly at a loss for words. To think that this is the author’s debut novel is mind-blowing! This book took me on an unforgettable emotional journey that ruthlessly tore my heart out. It is magnificent, but also not for the faint of hearts as it has some brutal and graphic depiction of violence and body mutilation

The story follows Yu'er, a young woman bartered into marriage by her greedy parents. Her life is defined by crushing poverty and relentless misfortune. Against all odds, she and her young husband, Xiaozhu, managed to forge a deeply tender and resilient bond as they go through the harsh realities of their existence. Their fragile peace is shattered however, when a jing (shape-shifting demons) intrude upon their lives. This catastrophic encounter puts Yu'er onto a devastating trajectory fueled by grief, desperate survival and agonizing, impossible sacrifices.

One of the most spectacular thing of this novel is its worldbuilding. The author seamlessly weaved ancient myths and folklore into the fabric of the story. In such a short number of pages, the author managed to make it sound so beautifully rich and ancient, yet wonderfully paced.

Yu’er herself is a fascinating, brilliantly multifaceted protagonist. She exists in the gray areas of morality with both light and darkness within her. Because of this, her actions felt incredibly human. You can't easily label her choices as purely "good" or "bad" because they are inherently tied to survival.

This book brought me to tears because of heavy reality of grief with stunning realism. The sheer amount of character development and intricate storytelling packed into such a concise page count jus shows how talented the author is.
── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──
pre-read: ⚜ ఌ︎.
I'm so excited to read this. Thanks to Nancy that I immediately requested for the arc when she told me about it<3

Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

publication date: 10 Nov 2026

[rina · Rating 3 out of 5]

‎ ‎ ੭୧‎ ‎ 3 stars‎ ‎ . ۫

overall thoughts — This was a really lovely, short book, and I had a good time reading it!! Where the book really succeeds is definitely in its structure. The pacing, length, and the way certain plot points were revealed were exceptionally well done. I was invested the entire time. I thoroughly enjoyed the different POVs, which really helped me better understand and empathize with each character.

The story follows Yu'er, who is sold off to be married by her parents. Her life is marked by misfortune and poverty until she decides to make a deal with a jing: in exchange for leaving her husband, her home, and marrying a great lord, her family will gain riches. What follows is a tale of tragedy, revenge, and sacrifice.

Certain parts I did wish were more fleshed out or given more depth. For example, [redacted]'s death, the entire ordeal, and the aftermath all felt very abrupt. I wanted a little more time spent there because it had the potential to be even more impactful. Other parts were also a bit predictable, especially near the end.

The beginning of the novel was definitely my favourite part, especially seeing the progression of our fmc into becoming more hard-hearted. Watching how her circumstances shaped her and slowly changed her was one of the strongest aspects of the story for me. There were so many heart-wrenching scenes. It is quite a bleak and depressing story, which I am always a sucker for!

There were also a lot of scenes that were much more graphic than I expected, so please be very mindful of content warnings before reading!

final thoughts — Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice is a stunning, lush, and poetic debut, and I wish the author lots of success when this releases. Gracie Marsden, this is definitely not the last you will see of me!!! 🤭

Thank you to Gracie Marsden and Viking Penguin for the ARC! Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice releases November 10, 2026.

CW: torture, death, physical violence, murder, blood, gore

────

finished: 04/16/26 𖥻𓈒 ꒱ ੭
i knew the ending was going to break me 😖 a solid debut <3

pre read: 04/14/26 𖥻𓈒 ꒱ ੭
i get to read this early!!! 🥹 i've been following the author on ig for quite some time, so i'm excited to see what her debut has in store <3 the premise sounds so promising; i love women and revenge!!!!

[liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey so this is the ghost of Liz writing this review because I’m not exaggerating when I say this book may have actually ended me? 6 stars. No questions. I am in PAIN. UNWELL.

Let’s start off with the opening BANGER of a line that immediately pulled me in: “There was once a girl who lied. She told herself she was marrying for safety, but in truth, it was because she wanted power.”
You’re absolutely kidding me?!

I actually picked up this book because the author of my favorite book of all time (Shen Tao) reviewed and recommended it and it was the best / worst decision of my life. It hurt so good. I don’t even know where to begin.

Reading a book Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice are one of those really rare books that will have you staring at a wall afterwards wondering how you even got so lucky to have gotten the privilege to read something this beautiful with your mortal eyeballs. I shouldn’t even be able to exist in a space with words this beautiful. Prose this mesmerizing. Messages this profound.

Everyone get behind me because I AM LITTLE PIG’S #1 DEFENDER UNTIL THE DAY I CEASE TO BREATHE! God every single character get underneath your soul and sit in your heart in the most enchanting ways. I cried several times! Several! When I flipped to PART 2 and saw the POV I legitimately had to put my kindle down and walk away. I crashed out so many times over this book. I never knew where this story was going to take us but god was every raw, intense, brutal moment of the journey worth it.

And the way everything comes together over each of the 4 parts? And the epilogue?! Stunning.

If you like:
- Folklore vibes
- Love vs power
- Vengeance
- Magical realism
- Lyrical prose
- Tragic love

This one is for you. A 300 page gift packed with unputdownable pain and suffering; tied with a beautiful bow of hope and love.

Thanks to Viking and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my review. 6 stars no questions. Running to preorder this forever.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow.

This book took me on a journey. One that ripped my heart out over and over again. This book is not for the feint of heart. It’s dark and gritty and makes you address some hard truths, including what love is worth and what it means to be a monster.

Yu’er is such an interesting character. She’s multifaceted, with both good and bad inside her. And that just made her feel real. She makes some tough decisions in this book, and I don’t think you could assign a moral value to any of them, because there is both good and bad in everything she does. That just brings us back to the key question: What does it really mean to be a monster?

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I loved reading this one so much!

[Danika]

I'm so excited to read this book! Does anyone know if it's on Netgalley for request??

[Amy Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, this one didn’t hit the mark for me. It started out strong and I was initially really drawn into the unique story. Then, it went sideways with too many plots, people and storylines. I felt like I was reading a complicated parable that oftentimes wandered. (I also had to skip the brutality and torture scenes that appeared too often.) I really wanted to like this, but just not for me. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[justine ⊹ ࣪ ˖ (slump era)]

i've been thinking about this book for some time now since i'm following the author on IG >< now, it's finally on netgalley, but i can't put in a request 🤧

[Dadreadsanreviews (james) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks net galley for the arc!

This is lyrical fairytale of love and loss. It’s tragic and gripping story of a young woman who faces rejection, pain, grief, and struggle with glimpses of love. Our two main characters find each other through tragic circumstances, and their love grows slowly over time until they cannot be without each other. However, they encounter Jing’s that reshape their destinies.

I really enjoyed the visceral emotions that filled this story. The structure was a little difficult to follow until I caught onto the fairytale structure. I found myself engrossed in the story and longing for a happily ever after, but what makes a happy ending isn’t always what is expected.

Overall, this is a wonderful and tragic fairytale. You feel sadness, longing, and come away with a greater appreciation for life.

[Anna (annareadit)]

The author's edits are killing me, I can't wait to read it!

[Emilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

FIVE. FREAKIN. STARS. I got literal goosebumps after finishing this book.

We follow Yu’er, who is sold off by her parents to an impoverished family. Out of desperation, she makes a deal with a jing—a shapeshifter capable of wielding both curses and blessings—which ultimately leads her to leave her husband and marry a great lord. Yu’er’s pursuit of power slowly evolves into her ultimate demise.

This story took my emotions on a complete rollercoaster. My heart felt caught in a vicious cycle—torn apart and then stitched back together again. The immense character depth and intricately layered storytelling that Marsden weaves into such a short book is genuinely impressive. The writing is lyrical, with a style reminiscent of traditional fairy tales. The structure offers glimpses into the future that will have you flipping pages at breakneck speed, desperate to understand how everything unfolds.

I truly have nothing but positive things to say about this beautiful, heart-wrenching story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Jada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for approving me for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

WOW… I’m left speechless by this beautiful story. I’ll admit that it was a little slow in the beginning, but tbh I can’t find fault because it was setting up the story and characters. Seriously this journey took me through so many emotions, it especially portrayed grief in such a realistic and gritty way. I’m so glad we got to see Yue’er be flawed showing both her flaws and her virtues. I’m SO happy the author delivered with vengeance because I was so scared Yue’er wouldn’t do it but she did!! Also I want to give a shoutout that the story wasn’t shying away from more of the ugliness in our world —especially from our family, but how we can still find happiness and a community with the lives we build.

I really do wish I could put into better words how much I adored this story, but it’s truly moving and I love every second of reading this.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆

Thank you so much NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Content Warning: This book contains graphic depictions of torture, violence, and other disturbing content. It doesn't shy away from the details, so I'd highly recommend checking the trigger warnings before picking it up if you're sensitive to those topics.

This book made me feel so many things. It completely pulled me into its world from the very first page, and I found myself thinking about it even when I wasn't reading. The writing is incredibly immersive and vivid, making every scene so easy to picture. The story is told through dual timelines, and I loved how the past and present slowly unraveled before eventually merging together. It kept me constantly invested, and I flew through the book because I always needed to know what would happen next.

The story follows Yu'er, who is sold into marriage as a child. Despite such heartbreaking circumstances, she and her husband, Xiaozhu, slowly build a beautiful and heartfelt relationship while trying to survive the life they've been given. Everything changes when the jing, shape-shifting demons, enter their lives, sending Yu'er down a devastating path of grief, survival, and impossible choices.

One of my favorite aspects of this novel was the worldbuilding. The myths and folklore woven throughout the story added so much depth without ever disrupting the pacing. They made the world feel rich, ancient, and hauntingly beautiful. I also loved the cast of characters. Yu'er and Xiaozhu completely stole my heart, but even the supporting characters felt memorable and well-developed. The central concept itself was fascinating, and I was invested in every part of the journey.

There were so many moments where I genuinely had to put the book down because I was terrified of what was going to happen next. The author builds tension so well that I felt anxious for the characters throughout the story. At the same time, it was impossible to stay away for long because I was completely hooked.

That said, I did have a couple of issues. I saw one of the major reveals coming from quite early on, so by the time it happened, it didn't hit me as hard emotionally as I think it was meant to. I had already prepared myself for it, and while it was still a powerful moment, the predictability softened its impact.

My biggest issue, however, was with the way Yu'er viewed herself and how others perceived her. Throughout the novel, she repeatedly believes she's a monster, and there are moments where other characters call her one as well. But after witnessing everything she endured, I just couldn't see her that way. She was forced into circumstances she never chose and was left with impossible decisions. So many of her actions felt driven by grief, desperation, and survival rather than cruelty. I understood why she believed she had become a monster, but I never truly agreed with that perception. To me, she was a tragic character shaped by unimaginable suffering, and that made her story all the more heartbreaking.

Even with those criticisms, I absolutely loved this book. It's emotional, immersive, beautifully written, and incredibly engaging. The world, the mythology, the characters, and the atmosphere all came together to create a story that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. I honestly can't believe this is a debut novel because it feels so confident and well-crafted. I'll definitely be reading whatever this author writes next.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 3.5 | ❤️ 2/5

I picked this up due to the historical East Asian setting, since I am partial to stories set around the Song Dynasty. Worth knowing up front that this is a dual pov, dual timeline historical fiction with supernatural elements inspired by Taiwanese folklore and mythology with a romantic subplot, but to be clear: this is not a romance. It reads more like a shakespearean tragedy.

The elegant, easy to understand execution of the magic system inspired by East Asian folklore was one of the strongest aspects of this story and was introduced organically throughout the story. The jing are spirits, who can shapeshift into their animal familiar and cast blessings and curses in a push/pull system.

I also enjoyed the period-specific texture through the descriptions of the physical environment including how people dressed. For readers who are interested in an East Asian historical setting— especially fans of c-dramas xianxia, this book may appeal to you. Historical fiction readers who geek out on the history aspect may find themselves in my situation. The Jiangnanese, Fuli, and Kangzhu people are referenced throughout, but the story doesn't provide much context for how they relate to each other or to the broader Song dynasty period beyond the fact that they're antagonists. I found myself reaching for outside sources to fill that gap.

FMC Yu’er was not easy to like. While she is intended to be this way and the story is self aware about it, readers who need to like their leads may struggle given that Yu’er has moments of selfishness and is at times gleeful about her acts of cruelty. MMC Xiaozhu was kind, but I would have liked his interiority to expand beyond his devotion to Yu’er and his desire to practice medicine. The prose has a detached quality to it that suited the folklore-style storytelling that I actually enjoyed, but sometimes the distance made it harder to connect with the characters.

My biggest critique is that there were some inconsistencies and plot logic gaps that pulled me out of the story including a world building rule that was inconsistently applied (that jing couldn’t be killed and yet one was killed) namely in the second half of the book. The pacing was good until the final act, where I found myself struggling to finish.

There is a late reveal that brought the story full circle, that I found to be poetic with its nod to East Asian folklore that fantasy romance readers will appreciate.

If you enjoy a lead with questionable morals and East Asian folklore or historical settings and can overlook some plot logic gaps, this could be a fit for you.

CW: graphic violence, abuse, torture

This review is based on an arc provided by Viking Penguin via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[LadyoftheBlade (Britt) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice. I absolutely adored this novel. The story revolves around Yu'er, who is sold by her mother and father into marriage. After marriage, Yu'er's life is filled with misfortune, tragedy, and loss. However, there is also love and the creation of a new family. Alongside the story of Yu'er, the reader is introduced to the story of Meng'er, the new wife of a cruel Lord. Through a staggering of timelines and interspersing of mythology, the stories of Yu'er and Meng'er intertwine to tell a tale of two opposites. This is is story drenched in grief, cruelty, fear, loss, and betrayal. But, underneath all of that...there is friendship, hope, forgiveness, kindness, and love. This is also, in part, a story of revenge and shows what people are willing to give up in pursuit of revenge and what may unintentionally be lost. It is set in Taiwan and seeped in Taiwanese mythology. Above all of the questions Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice asks of the reader is what is a monster. (And the unspoken question...are monsters worthy of love and forgiveness).

The novel is very quick to let the reader in on what is going on, but it is told in two viewpoints. The first viewpoint involves Yu'er and her sister Jiajia. Their parents sell them off to be married in hopes of hastening the jing's prophecy that their parents will have riches beyond their wildest dreams once their daughters are marries. Jiajia is married off first to a fuli shaman. Before she departs, she hids her jade pendant in a place for Yu'er to find. The jade pendant becomes an important symbol to Yu'er. After her sister, Yu'er marries Xiaozhu, the son of an abusive drunkard. She lives with Xiaozhu, his father, and his grandmother. Yu'er is used to a life with some luxuries, so she is unused to the life of lean meals and hard work. Slowly, Xiaozhu and Yu'er fall in love. And that is where everything falls apart.

Yu'er and Xiaozhu's love story is one of love and loss. Without going too much into what follows, much of the novel is Xiaozhu and Yu'er making their way back to each other even though their grief and choices have irreparably changed them. Once you are let in on what is going on, the novel gets super tense while you are waiting for the shoe to drop. The conclusion broke my heart, but the ultimate resolution healed it (slightly).

Overall, if you like Taiwanese myths, morally questionable FMCs, and a tense atmosphere...then this novel is for you.

[Sam♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So you're telling me this was a debut book?
Oh wow.
Such a good debut book that I am fully prepared to get on my knees and beg for a sequel because Miss Gracie cannot leave me hanging like that. What was THAT ending?

(My breakdown was probably already evident from the mini review I posted on my story at an ungodly hour of the night, but here's the longer and considerably more dramatic version.)

This book did not simply take me on a journey.
It dismantled me. It took my heart apart piece by piece, examined every fragment under a microscope, and then handed it back to me fundamentally altered. This is not a book for the faint of heart. It is dark, unflinching, and surprisingly philosophical beneath its fantasy exterior. It constantly asks uncomfortable questions about agency, sacrifice, power, survival, and whether the price of freedom can ever truly be measured.

More importantly, it refuses to provide easy answers. There is kindness in this story, but it is not a kind story. There is cruelty in this story, but it is not a cruel story. Instead, it exists in that uncomfortable space where human beings are forced to make impossible choices and then live with the consequences. What I admired most is that the novel never mistakes suffering for virtue.

Yu'er wants freedom with a desperation that borders on obsession. She is willing to sacrifice pieces of herself for it, and the story never fully absolves her of those choices. It allows her to be ambitious. Angry. Loving. Selfish. Brave. Terrified. Human. And because she is allowed to be human, every decision she makes carries weight. Watching her transform from a powerless child bride into a woman willing to bargain away even love itself for autonomy and survival was both exhilarating and devastating.

And then there's Xiaozhu. (Or, as jen can attest, the man responsible for approximately seventy percent of my emotional instability while reading this book.)

Their relationship is one of the most compelling aspects of the novel because it understands something many romances forget: love is rarely built through grand gestures. It is built through familiarity. Through trust. Through small acts of recognition. They do not fall in love all at once. They learn each other first. Which is precisely why everything hurts so much later.

The novel understands that the greatest tragedies are rarely born from the absence of love. Sometimes they emerge because love exists, abundantly and undeniably, and still cannot save people from themselves.

The mythology deserves its own paragraph because it is absolutely magnificent. The jing feel ancient in the way old forests feel ancient. Beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Every interaction carries the sense that something is lurking beneath the surface. Every bargain extracts a cost. Every gain leaves a wound.

Power in this world is never clean. It decays. It corrupts. It demands. And the novel never lets you forget that. What lingers with me most, however, is not the plot. It is the feeling. The lingering ache. The sense that I have finished the book but the book has not finished with me.

Some stories entertain you. Some stories impress you. And then there are stories that quietly move into your mind and refuse to leave. This is one of those stories.

So, Miss Gracie, if this review somehow finds its way to you, please take it as a completely reasonable and measured request for a sequel.
I am asking politely.
For now.

[Asma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book toke me by such surprise.
I had to stop myself from rushing through this book, to take my time to feel all the emotions that Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice had me going through.

The way I am still teary eyes while writing this because Yu'er my girl went through so much and even though at times I was mad at some choices she made, I could still understand it. We first start off with Yu'er family seeing a Jing a shape shifting "demon" who can give people blessings and whatever they wish if they do so. Expect her parents wish for riches in life and more but in order for them to get that, they must sell Yu'er and her older sister Jiajia off to be married. And they did that with such quickness.

Yu'er meets her husband who is only a year older then her Xiaozhu (who I love so much), they both become allies in very hostile environment they live in. Overtime they go from friends to lovers. When one person breaths it is as if the other is also breathing in sync.

Their love is one of the most purest I have ever read. But of course nothing can ever be too perfect and a tragedy strikes them, and Yu'er ends up making the ultimate choice to leave the love of her life to make a bargain with a Jing to get control of her life with riches and whatever she desires.

We see her and Xiaozhu Journeys through the years and whatever they endure with or without eachother. Seeing the evolvement of Yu'er from a little girl who didn't know about real worlds trouble to her being harden from everything she had endured was not something easy to read.

As well as seeing Xiaozhu becoming the most sweetest man even though the people who raised him often felt like they were the devils spawned incarnates. But one thing about this book I loved the most was that everyone was flawed and overtime they had all made mistakes. But the thing about mistakes is as long as you can find a way to make it right than it was just might to happen. We all make it since we are humans and thats what makes us all so alike. I will miss reading this, I fell in love with wiritng styles and the stories Xiaozhu and Yu'er sister used to say. I felt like I could see everything from this book happen right before my eyes.

I WOULD LOVEEEEEEE TO SEE THIS BOOK AS AN ANIMATION MOVIE. Gracie Marsden I will know reading everything you write after this.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Viking Penguin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

[Brianna Lords · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to receive an advanced reader copy of Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice by Gracie Marsden. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Trigger warnings: miscarriage, gore, torture, murder, forced marriage, suggestions of rape, death.

This historical fantasy novel was a wonderful read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in high fantasy and folklore in particular. Taiwanese folklore was a new one for me but it was very interesting and fun to learn about new myths.

The main character, Yu’er, is a young girl in eleventh century Taiwan that is faced with difficult choice after difficult choice. At first, she has little control over her life and is sold by her parents for marriage. This is of course a nightmare situation made worse by the familial situation she is married into. Luckily, her new husband is a nice, young man who doesn’t want to hurt her or take advantage of her from the beginning. Eventually, they fall in love and begin to build a life together. After several tragedies befall the family, Yu’er makes a decision that results in her leaving the family. Ultimately, Yu’er experiences extreme cruelty and becomes a jing, a shape-shifting demon.

Again, she is faced with multiple paths: revenge or love; honor or safety; continuing on or starting over. This book is truly heart breaking at times, and I teared up more than once. I particularly loved the sisterly love between Yu’er and Jiajia, as it captured the true love and bond that can exist between sisters.

The non-chronological order of the book is done extremely well and would make a second reading (which I plan to do) highly rewarding. The ending of the novel was open enough for the potential of a sequel or spinoff, which I really hope for. I want to spend more time in the world and learn more about Taiwanese folklore. For now, I shall have to be content with my rereads.

TL;DR: This novel is well worth the read if you are interested in historical fantasy and/or folklore. It has some dark themes and can be extremely sad at times, but I would say it is worth it for the beauty and love that is also in the book.

[Megan » Hello Book Bird! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once, there was a girl who did not want to hurt anymore. She didn't want to be sad, and ashamed, and afraid. She did not want to be weak, ever again. She wanted to be safe.

I'm not entirely sure what I'm left feeling after this. There was a LOT going on and I think it's going to take some time to parse through it all but I'll try to get my surface thoughts out.

The beginning was my absolute favorite. The emotions her parents evoked for selling her off for their own personal fortune, the abuse of her "new home" in order to get with child, the transformation from victim to making the best of her scenario and truly grabbing her present with both hands, the gentle love both of them came into for each other, and finally the heartbreak and visceral trauma of [redacted].

So the girl became a woman who did not need love. Who would never again be powerless. A woman who would be obeyed, in turn. A woman whom none would abandon.

At 35% I was like, "THE FEMME FATALE ERA! LET'S GOOOOO!" But...instead of becoming all powerful, not needing love, not being powerless...we find out she actually is? Because her fate at the palace is not kind...and it's told in brief flashes interspersed with present day.

And when she awakens as a jing? We don't find out how this is possible. We don't find out why jing are seemingly so prevalent. It just seems to go off the tracks from here. The first third has great pacing, great setup, and the rest of the book just seems a little scattered and disjointed. It's not that it was written badly, I just wish it had a bit more cohesion.

I'm also not satisfied with the ending though I suppose it does make sense when you consider the message of the whole: do not let go of your humanity. It earns you nothing but misery if you do.

I don't regret the read but...like I said. I still don't know how I really feel about it.

Major thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney N · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ⭐️

When I finished the last page of this book, I was immediately overwhelmed with thoughts. I found myself flipping back to certain pages, rereading my highlights, typing long notes and generally wanting to start it all again from the beginning. The thoughts, complicated feelings, theorizing and wishes for the characters were endless.

That to me is worthy of five-stars but also worthy of becoming a new favorite book.

For a story that carries *extremely* heavy themes (you are certainly going to want to check trigger warnings), I could not put this down. The writing itself was captivating enough (simple prose yet each word carried weight) but the unique format and timely reveals really made this propulsive and bingeable.

The characters were all deeply flawed and yet not without reason.

This was a complex and layered story that does not shy away from plaguing the reader with conflicting thoughts and tough emotions. If you’re anything like me you’ll feel anger as much as you’ll feel joy, sadness, and hope.

It feels unfair to compare this book to another one but because of it’s success I feel it’s a justice to say it lives in the same space as The Poet Empress by Shen Tao, and for me personally, I don’t think many books in my lifetime that will touch what that one did for me but this is right in its league.

There are parts of me that wrestle with the end and the pacing of it. I do think this book could have had another 20-30 pages of detail towards the end, however I don’t feel that took away from the lasting impression.

Besides the pacing, everything I wanted was given to me in the end plot wise. And yet, there was so much room left for my mind to keep exploring.

Overall, this book is truly a win all-around. Read this if you want to be challenged and rewarded for the journey.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that I love this books is an understatement. It had me gripped from beginning to the bittersweet end and was truly such a delightful read! This novel excels with its poetic and lush storytelling, the symbolism of love and its complex characters. Not only did this story take me on an emotional rollercoaster, it also shined a light on the pain and beauty of sacrifice, love and the ways both go hand in hand to create something meaningful.

In this story we follow our fmc, yu’er as she navigates the multifaceted world around her. We go on a quest of betrayal, love and what it truly means to sacrifice your humanity for a heart like jade. This story does not shy away from darker themes and harsh truths that will leave you feeling a swirl of different emotions but will ultimately give you a sense of peace when you understand the power and resilience that lies within love and connection.

I would have to say that my favorite part of this story was watching the progression of yu’er bloom into the woman she is. Her resilience and strength was admirable and she has become one of my most favorite complex characters. The multiple povs really progressed the story and gave you a deeper insight into how our characters thought and why they acted the way they did, which to me was such a perfect touch.

Overall, this story is a must read and has cemented itself in my heart as one I wish I could re-read for the first time all over again, it was a grand experience. Gracie Marsden this is a striking debut novel and I wish you nothing but the greatest success!

Thank you to Gracie Marsden and Viking Penguin for the ARC! Keep your eyes peeled for Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice which releases November 10, 2026.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Recieved as ARC from NetGalley) i went into this book with just medium expectations, but I was really impressed! The story had me hooked almost from the beginning. It really is a love story at its core, but one that (to me) feels relatable. I was tearing up within the first 50% (which I read in one day), and then almost again towards the end. I loved how the story felt like a fable anyway, and then at the end of some chapters we get additional backstory told as an actual story. I thought that was clever, but the whole book felt like a fairy tale. I don't want to say too much because I think it's best to go into this blind. Don't even read the description, just know this is a fantasy that's character-driven. You will probably cry with how clearly the emotions are depicted, but you will feel a lot of other emotions, too. It's about life and everything we go through. It's a beautiful story with beautiful writing and I think I have to buy a copy to reread.

(MILDLY SPOILERY)
I found it relatable because I know what it's like to not feel 100% but also have to stay strong because your partner is doing worse. Sometimes it feels like all you have is each other, sometimes you feel like you don't even have that when mental health becomes a factor. Having to stay strong, but also worrying about what they'll do and then how you'd live without them. I'm not sure if it's meant to be a major theme, but my spouse has PTSD and I was able to relate to both characters. I guess one interpretation of the book could be PTSD, or getting over general trauma. Again, relatable on both sides and I found the relationship to be very convincing, at least for me. Maybe it just hit at the right time, but I really loved this book

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG NOBODY TALK TO ME. I devoured this book and it had me staring at my wall after I was finished. This book altered my brain chemistry?!! I absolutely loved this book so much and if I could give this book six stars I would.

Bones of jade, flesh like ice is a debut novel about our female main character Yu’er and how she and her sister were married off by their parents because they were greedy and wanted wealth. After she was married it took time for her to get settled in with her new home. She learned to love her husband but had terrible father in law who got the family cursed when he came across a jing. Yu’er had to make some hard decisions in order to protect the ones she loved. She experiences loss and grief. She has to make decisions that weren’t easy.


I loved how the book talked about greedy and how people are so quick to betray people for wealth. Her parents selling Yu’er and her sister made me so upset like that was soooo not okay.

The author’s writing style is just chefs kiss. It’s amazing how well she wrote the emotions feelings the characters felt. I could feel the sorrow and guilt the FMC felt. I loved how the author made the male main character yearn and hallucinate seeing the female main character when she left.

Disclaimer: this book has some heavy and sensitive topics that aren’t easy to read. Even tho I usually can read books with heavy topics, the way the author wrote about these topics made it a bit hard to read the gore but it’s because she wrote it so well.

This book got me out of reading slump and if ur reading my review this is ur sign to read this masterpiece. Thank you to NetGalley, Viking Penguin, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not ok. 😭 this book.

Beauty and pain wrapped up in these pages. I hurt so much for Yu’er. She never catches a break. She has both the sweetest love and the biggest burdens. It seems like everyone expects so much from her while offering so little in return.

I loved how stories of Jing are constantly a part of this book. And ultimately they are a reflection of humanity, the good and the evil. The structure of this story also reminds me of a fairy tale. It doesn’t linger too long in any moment or time. The prose strike hard, gut you, and then move forward. It all flows beautifully together while preserving the feeling of a fantastical tale, especially near the end.

The ending of this isn’t for the faint of heart. Yu’er never makes easy choices. Both for good and bad. Sometimes she is foolish, and often she puts others feelings first at the expense of herself, and consequences she isn’t prepared to pay. I felt this most keenly with Xueying—who is one of my least favorite characters. Perhaps it is a cultural difference, but she led Yu’er badly, and for her own interests, and betrayed Yu’er first by not disclosing all the information and resigning them both to a terrible fate. I still have many feelings about this particular bond and how it ended.

Yu’er wants so little, and so little gives her joy I was desperate for her to have a happy ending. But this story is far more bitter sweet. There are some horrifying, gory moments, a lot of unfairness, and a lot of sacrifice. But all the pain also highlights the beauty of love, and the value of a simple life. It’s a beautiful story.

Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC copy.

[purrs and plotlines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible beyond words. To think this is a debut novel, what a way to come out swinging Gracie.

This story begins in eleventh century Taiwan in a small village far away from the political machinations of the rich nobles that run society. It is told essentially from two perspectives. The first appears to be from our FMC Yu’er; the other is a documented story from the wife of a Fuli shaman. We follow Yu'er as she is sold by her parents to another poor family in order to fulfill a prophesy spoken to them by a jing after assisting it. It is here that she discovers the quiet, young man she is married to is more than he seems. He is kind, intelligent, and selfless. Although this isn't what she pictured for herself, they do become quite close and eventually fall in love. This sham marriage becomes so much more, but devastation befalls their household and Yu'er is set on a different path. One of danger, cruelty, and difficult decisions.

I loved the narration style of this book, watching the pieces of Yu'er's persepective come together with the story told by the wife of the Fuli shaman. It was so masterfully woven together in a way I didn't expect. Yu'er teaches a powerful lesson I think; that the grass is not always greener on the other side and that we do not have to remain lost to the monster inside us if we are willing to open ourselves to those who love us or could love us. Life is full of hard decisions and even if you make the wrong one sometimes, that doesn't define you.

I very much look forward to what Marsden puts out next because this had me hooked from the start.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Yu’er is a young girl when she is sold off into a loveless marriage because of the deal her mother made. In this act, she learns about betrayal, sadness and anger for their actions. Her marriage starts off as loveless, and she deems she is bound for greater things. Despite falling for her husband, a devastating ordeal causes her to take an offer of another jing that thrusts her into a world of deceit and despair. Now Yu’er has a second chance to change her story, but will she succumb to revenge or choose a path of peace.

I really was taken in by the title and the idea of Jing being so wrapped up in the story. The idea of magic and the power and falseness behind it was interesting, given how often mortals come across these beings. Yu’er is definitely a young girl that is never satisfied with what she has, and unfortunately she really does have to suffer before she learns the price of what she demands. The author is really putting out a sad story, and the turn of events she writes in is immaculate. This was a compelling sad story for the short amount of pages it was written under.

My complaints are that at times, it feels very unresolved and choppy. The constant shifting of present and past views from what seems to be two different entities is kind of jarring. I found myself flipping back to reread a chapter to see how it forwarded the story.

I would give it a solid 4/5 stars, and this met my expectations for a short read.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice is a stunning fantasy, written like an ancient mythological folktale. We’re taken to the early 1000s, where Yu’er and her sister are to be traded as young brides in exchange for her parents’ fortune. Amidst this cruel life contains the presence of jings, immensely powerful creatures that can bestow blessings or curses. Throughout the story, the jing’s magic, whether promises of good or evil, can influence the trajectory of one’s life, and reflect the core of the human heart.
This is the story Yu’er: discarded by her parents, placed in poverty, forced into a young marriage, but who has a strong heart that seeks love and power. After an encounter with a jing, everything changes, and sets Yu’er on an incredible yet horrific journey. What is the cost of power and revenge? With everything at your fingertips, how do you treasure those close to you? What is the purpose of immortality and grand splendor?
This novel is fascinating and completely engrossing. Each chapter brings us something new: a moment of resilience, a mystical encounter, or development from our beloved Xiaozhu. We are taken back and forth between timelines to gain a pure understanding of Yu’er’s heartache and increasingly difficult decisions.
There’s mystery, there’s a soft romance, there’s betrayal and true anguish, there are twists and turns. I loved this debut novel by Gracie Marsden. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

[Yoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to imagine that writers like hearing, "I finished this book in two days and stayed up all night because I couldn't put it down," not, "It took me an unconscionable amount of time to read this because I kept setting it down" - but I kept setting this down because it was so hecking good, because it broke my heart over and over and I had to breathe and sit with the story and have a good cry before coming back.

BONES OF JADE, FLESH LIKE ICE is set in a mythic Taiwan. It's about sisters sold to different husbands in service of their parents' greed, and selling your heart for what you want rather than what you love; the ways that the exercise of power becomes our armor, but the armor fuels our self-immolation. It's about magic and small moments and the simple acts that blossom into much-needed grace, or metastasize into massacre. It's about what we do in the dark, and what the dark does to us, and how we learn to walk away or walk on.

I cried over and over reading this. There is kindness, but this is not a kind book. There is cruelty, but this is not a cruel book. This is a book that breaks your heart while reminding you that when your heart breaks, it's because you *have* a heart; that it's being returned to you, with everything you learned and everything you earned.

This is the best book I have read this year (so far, in mid-May 2026). I'm going to cry some more; but I remember now that I can walk away... and walk on.

full disclosure: ARC via NetGalley

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like some other books I've read, while also being unlike anything I've ever read before. Having a story from the jing's point of view I feel like was an uncommon pov. The process of weaving together Yu'er and Meng'er's stories was done flawlessly, with telling the story from the very beginning of Yu'er's married life to becoming Wenger to living out the rest of her days. I enjoyed that I didnt know they were the same person for quite a while, and was very curious what Meng'er's story had to do with Yu'e, where the connection was. Having the beginning of the book be from Yu'er's pov, then having some from Paishon, then going back to Yu'er I felt like added a depth to the story that is unique to dual pov books. Getting to see how Paisho lived without her, and how he was able to so easily take her back was another level to an already good story. The ending was bittersweet for me. I enjoyed that the book didnt hold back. Marsden wasnt afraid to explore death or blood and didnt hold back in her descriptions. Marsden also didn't shy away from grief and how it can rob a person of their happiness, their livelihood, their friends and family, themselves. Grief is something that isn't prevalent in enough of the books I read. I enjoyed the world and the world building, and I wish there was more to warrant a sequel, to warrant more in this world, but this book wrapped up so well that I dont think its possible.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The opening section of Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice was one of its strongest aspects for me. The introduction to Yu'er was well developed, allowing me to quickly become invested in both the character and the world around her. I especially appreciated the emphasis on storytelling and oral tradition throughout the novel. The way stories were woven into the narrative added depth and meaning, while also influencing the progression of the plot in interesting ways.

As the story continued and Yu'er's circumstances began to change, I felt some of the momentum established early on started to fade. While the narrative remained engaging, certain plot developments became more predictable than I had expected, reducing some of the tension and surprise that the opening chapters created.

Despite this, the novel does a compelling job of exploring the bonds people create through their actions, and sometimes through their failures to act. Themes of love, grief, loyalty, and connection are thoughtfully examined throughout the story, giving the emotional moments significant weight. Overall, Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice was a satisfying and enjoyable read. As a debut novel, it demonstrates a great deal of promise, and I was impressed by the author's ability to craft memorable characters and meaningful themes. I look forward to seeing how the author's storytelling continues to develop in future works.

Thank you Netgalley and Viking for the ARC.

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this story.

While not as dense as The Poet Empress, or fantasy lush as Daughter of the Moon Goddess, it is still a good entry to the world of Chinese fantasy.

In this story, a girl is being forced into a relationship / marriage with someone who she doesn't initially love. Meanwhile, a different (or perhaps the same girl) is being sent to a palace to live with a king as one of his concubines. She is then framed and killed. How do the two relate? What of the mysterious Jing that was discovered by her parents months before all this came to be?

Chinese culture is full of honorifics, customs, and personal respect. In this, we are given a mysterious folklore character called a Jing that turns into a beautiful woman / deity that grants wishes or can foresee futures. They can pull from emotions of people and those emotions give them strength in order to fulfill them.

The biggest issue is that of the relationship between the female lead and her eventual love interest in the husband she was given. Honestly, I didn't see any of it and at the very end when you get MORE information about the two of them, it made me go 'huh'. I just felt that it kind of cheapened the final act and that their story didn't really give me that emotional impact that it should have.

While I don't think it's a bad book, and I don't think it's as amazing as I wanted it to be, it's still a worthy title in the recent publishing of Chinese fantasy for Western audiences.