kevin reviewed The Dragon Republic by R. F. Kuang
Fun fantasy novel
3 stars
Some annoying stuff in the historical metaphors, but it's a fun book
eBook, 658 pages
English language
Published Feb. 14, 2019 by HarperCollins Publishers.
4 stars
(2 reviews)
In the aftermath of the Third Poppy War, shaman and warrior Rin is on the run: haunted by the atrocity she committed to end the war, addicted to opium, and hiding from the murderous commands of her vengeful god, the fiery Phoenix. Her only reason for living is to get revenge on the traitorous Empress who sold out Nikan to their enemies.
With no other options, Rin joins forces with the powerful Dragon Warlord, who has a plan to conquer Nikan, unseat the Empress, and create a new Republic. Rin throws herself into his war. After all, making war is all she knows how to do.
But the Empress is a more powerful foe than she appears, and the Dragon Warlord’s motivations are not as democratic as they seem. The more Rin learns, the more she fears her love for Nikan will drive her away from every ally and lead …
In the aftermath of the Third Poppy War, shaman and warrior Rin is on the run: haunted by the atrocity she committed to end the war, addicted to opium, and hiding from the murderous commands of her vengeful god, the fiery Phoenix. Her only reason for living is to get revenge on the traitorous Empress who sold out Nikan to their enemies.
With no other options, Rin joins forces with the powerful Dragon Warlord, who has a plan to conquer Nikan, unseat the Empress, and create a new Republic. Rin throws herself into his war. After all, making war is all she knows how to do.
But the Empress is a more powerful foe than she appears, and the Dragon Warlord’s motivations are not as democratic as they seem. The more Rin learns, the more she fears her love for Nikan will drive her away from every ally and lead her to rely more and more on the Phoenix’s deadly power. Because there is nothing she won’t sacrifice for her country and her vengeance.
mi reviewed The Dragon Republic by R. F. Kuang
Review of 'The Dragon Republic' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
I am almost stunned to the point that words fail me to describe how great this book and this series is.
The Poppy Wars started this epic trilogy with sturdy foundations and the magnificence that belongs with the first act of a magnus opus. After the first half, it is difficult to let the book down.
But The Dragon Republic... Somehow - no, brilliantly-how - it gets better. It keeps getting better and better. I devoured this book as if tomorrow would never come.
I think I would have to write an essay on everything that I would like to praise on this book, but for this review, I'll settle on a few things:
1. If you are not reading/ haven't read The Poppy Wars trilogy, you are probably missing out on one of the greatest fantasy creations of all time. And I am dead serious on this one.
2. …
I am almost stunned to the point that words fail me to describe how great this book and this series is.
The Poppy Wars started this epic trilogy with sturdy foundations and the magnificence that belongs with the first act of a magnus opus. After the first half, it is difficult to let the book down.
But The Dragon Republic... Somehow - no, brilliantly-how - it gets better. It keeps getting better and better. I devoured this book as if tomorrow would never come.
I think I would have to write an essay on everything that I would like to praise on this book, but for this review, I'll settle on a few things:
1. If you are not reading/ haven't read The Poppy Wars trilogy, you are probably missing out on one of the greatest fantasy creations of all time. And I am dead serious on this one.
2. It is perfect if you think this world is hopeless. It is perfect if you don't think the world is hopeless. We need people like you, but looking into situations that look absolutely hopeless can be a good exercise.
3. The parallels and references to the real history of China are brilliant and absolutely f*cking gut wrenching. This book will let you observe what it is like to be belittled and de-humanised by the world, through symmetries and allusions. And they are so perfect.
4. I can't express enough how thankful I am to the author for creating this. I feel truly truly blessed.
There: my brain is drifting while processing all this experience that were the last few days of reading this book. The lack of eloquence is frustrating, but I know what I feel and I know how glad I am that I have read this, and this book will become another treasure in my mind. Not many things make sense these days; books this good make a difference.
Now, onto "The Burning God"!!!!!
Subjects
- Fiction, fantasy, epic