Of Jade and Dragons BY Amber Chen

In this captivating silkpunk fantasy, Aihui Ying embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind her father's murder and his hidden past as an esteemed engineer. Determined to follow in his footsteps despite societal constraints, she disguises herself as a boy to compete in the Engineers Guild trials, navigating a treacherous path fraught with danger and deception.

Ying's quest is fueled by a journal containing her father's engineering secrets and a jade pendant taken from his assassin. As she infiltrates the guild's male-only apprenticeship trial with the help of Prince Aogiya Ye-yang, she must outwit competitors, evade guild masters with ulterior motives, and dodge the relentless pursuit of her father's killer.

Amidst the peril, Ying grapples with conflicting loyalties and a burgeoning relationship with the enigmatic prince, whose own ambitions may not align with hers. The secrets concealed within the guild threaten not only Ying's life but also the stability of her homeland, forcing her to navigate a web of intrigue where betrayal lurks at every turn.

As the stakes escalate, Ying faces moral dilemmas that challenge her understanding of honor and justice. Will she sacrifice her principles to avenge her father's death, or can she find a way to uphold his legacy while unraveling the conspiracy that threatens everything she holds dear?

With its blend of adventure, romance, and intricate world-building, this tale explores themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of justice in a vividly imagined setting that echoes the rich traditions of silkpunk fantasy.