Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - The Kingdom of Copper

Reviews tagging 'Infidelity'

The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty

20 reviews

claudiamacpherson's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

just_one_more_paige's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

It has been, embarrassingly, years since I read City of Brass. In my defense, this book wasn't published yet, at the time, for me to have continued with the series then (though I do remember wishing it was). Anyways, as with The Poppy War series, I waited wayyyy too long between the first and second books (I had to find more than one summary/review, outside of my own, to read and recap so I remembered enough of the characters and details to feel ready to continue). But, silver lining (in both cases actually), the third and final book has also been published now, so I can jump right to it! And let me tell you, I plan to do just that.

While the novel starts with a short intro that gives some small insight into the immediate aftermath of the events of book one (Nahri's marriage, Dara's death, Ali's banishment), it jumps very quickly to "five years later." Nahri is doing her best to survive her life at court, basically confined to her healing rooms both physically and in action/attention, without any of the allies that made her first days in court bearable, trapped and powerless within the city and palace that are hers by right. Ali managed to survive a brutal introduction to the arid lands of his ancestors, as well as a slew of assassins, and has made a sort of life for himself, leaning into (while keeping very secret) the water-based gifts given to him by the marid. Dara was brought back from the dead (again) by a very unexpected hand, to help train and lead a force (of partially dubious provenance) with the goal of returning Daevabad's riginaly rulers to their rightful place. These three storylines unfold simultaneously, and slowly in convergence, against a complex political/religious/personal backdrop, coming to a head with violent consequences as a once-per-century djinn celebration kicks off.

Well, if I finished the first book thinking that Chakraborty was a star with world-building, I am finishing this second book convinced that very few are as good as she is. The setting is so alive. Daevabad itself remains as vivid and gilded as before, but with 600 more pages of layered history, descriptions, and interactions of the peoples. Plus, we get additional "outside the city" perspectives and growth more here as well, with Ali's time in Am Gezira and his mother's home (Ta Ntry) and tribe (the Ayaanle). As a major part of this spectacular world-building, I must mention the complex and detailed political (and religious, though mostly in overlap) maneuvering/machinations/plotting/scheming. There is so much “trading decency for a throne” …or power in these pages. You can, quite simply, lose yourself in it. But like, in the best way. With this comes some very deep familial cruelty and misguided loyalty that is heartbreaking to read at times. We always hurt the ones we love the most, when threatened. And so many times here, acting to protect someone you love, especially by withholding truth/information, ends up doing more harm than good. Thematically tough, but so real. Overall, just some of the most lush world-building I've ever read.

Character-wise, I have only similar praise to give. Nahri, Ali and Dara all benefit greatly, in terms of depth, throughout this novel. And I remain very into the way they subvert what the normal love triangle looks like. There is additional attention paid to side characters, originals like Muntadhir and Zaynad and Hatset and Jamshid and Kaveh, but also some newly introduced ones like Aqisa, the ifrit, some shafit, and a few others that I won't necessarily name, in order to avoid spoilers. I loved it all. And I have to say, I was least into Nahri's development, honestly. I wanted her to be...more. But I guess I understand her constraints, she did stay consistent with her goal of saving lives (any lives), and she did have a few breakout moments towards the end, so I am hoping that the final book does her arc a little more justice.

As far as the plot is concerned, I almost have to say that, at least for the first like two thirds of the novel, there wasn't one. Now, don't get me wrong, I was deeply invested in the development of place and character, and the build-up of it all, because I knew something was coming. There was a deep feeling of unrest, almost anticipatory uneasiness, both in the story/characters and within myself as a reader. And I loved the way that feeling escalated as we got closer and closer to what I just knew was impending doom. However, outside that feeling, very little actually happened...so I would caution you to be sure that's the type of book you are in the mood for, before picking this one up. However, of note, when the action began, with about a quarter of the book left (ish), things got real. The pacing, with perspectives jumping from Dara to Ali to Nahri with perfect timing, was phenomenal. Edge of one's seat type reading. Worth the wait in the build-up for sure. And with the cliffs that each of our main characters end on (plus, some additional "characters to watch," including both of Ali's siblings, Zaynab and Muntadhir, as well as Jamshid and Aqisa), I am quite ready to pick up the final installation, and watch the ending unfold, as soon as possible.

Chakraborty puts a deep focus on uncovering/unveiling the truth of history and the stories that are now accepted as truth, despite what the reality actually was, for reasons of maintaining power or avoiding guilt. She really demonstrates how only with the correct information can current consequences of violent/unfair history be rectified. Because after generations and centuries of curses and revenges and betrayals and death, how else (better than the endless examples of how those who are oppressed and given no other option/recourse will rise up with violence, without mercy) can people(s) overcome a legacy like that? (Ummmm, sound familiar to present day much? I think big yes.)

With captivating storytelling, intricate political and locational detail, discerning character development, and well-paced (when it arrives) action, Chakraborty transports the reader on a fantastic Middle Eastern history and culture inspired journey. It's a mythical, magical and entirely absorbing adventure. I cannot wait to see how it ends!

“People do not thrive under tyrants, Alizayd; they do not come up with innovations when they're busy trying to stay alive, or offer creative ideas when error is punished…”

“You don’t need to be a weapon to be an asset.”

“I’m tired of everyone in this city feeding on vengeance. I'm tired of teaching our children to hate and fear other children because their parents are our enemies. And I'm sick and tired of acting like the only way to save our people is to cut down all who might oppose us, as if our enemies won't return the favor the instant power shifts.” (Basically, sums up all of Ali/Dara/Nahri's vibes in this book.)

Content Warnings

readandfindout's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Style/writing: 4.5 stars
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Worldbuilding: 4.5 stars

Content Warnings

lorie336's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A whole different vibe from the first book, this was depressing, political, gray characters, but we learn more about our three main perspectives. There is still adventure especially the last 100 pages, the author knows how to write an epic fantasy world.

I loved learning what happened to our characters and we are thrust 5 years into the future where Nahri discovers more about her past yet she is trapped in the royal walls while Prince Ali was exiled and no longer wishes to return to Daevabad, but something or someone may force him. Again this was unputdownable and again this author creates relatable characters, issues that matter, politics, and a beautiful landscape. I am looking forward to reading the third installment of this trilogy.

Content Warnings

achingallover's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

theespressoedition's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I do this really terrible thing where I finish a book and then wait way too long to write the review, promptly forgetting most of what I read and how I felt about the book. I guess this is my toxic trait.

That being said, I listened to the audiobook for The Kingdom of Copper, despite stating in my review for The City of Brass that I should read the physical books for the remainder of the series. However, the narrator did an excellent job and it was much easier to get my hands on the book this way, so I should be grateful for the fact that I was able to digest the plot at all.

Like its predecessor, the sequel had a slower start with more world-building and politics, but a little more than halfway through, all the adventure began to happen, quickening the pace and honestly giving me a bit of a heart attack. I couldn't believe all that transpired! In fact, I would've preferred this to be separated into two books. There was so much information that it became hard for me to follow at a certain point.

The frustrating thing for audiobook listeners is how we know the correct pronunciation for every name, but have no clue where to begin with the spelling. Therefore, I had to search up the Daevabad Wiki in order to confirm (and wowza, I was misspelling so many of these names in my head).

Muntadhir had the craziest character arc in this book. I started off absolutely loathing the guy, went to kinda tolerating him, and wound up appreciating him more than nearly any other character by the end. What a rollercoaster!

I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next in this trilogy. I really, really am. I'm totally hooked now.

Content Warnings

starsincline's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.25

Content Warnings

totallyshelfaware's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

leahsbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I seriously adored reading The City of Brass, so I obviously knew I had to get my hands on this book as soon as possible. However, once I did, I sat with this book on my shelf until I couldn’t renew it any more times through my library for some reason. Does anyone else do this, or is it just me? I think part of the reason was because I wanted to prolong my enjoyment of the series, and another part was because I was a little worried that it wouldn’t live up to the incredible memories I had of the first book. However, I had absolutely nothing to worry about.

Within the first few pages of the book, I felt like I had stepped right into a doorway that transported me back to this magical world of flying carpets and djinn, complete with political intrigue and characters that I couldn’t help but love. The descriptive writing made me feel as though I was also in Daevabad, rather than just reading about it.

“But this ship was nothing like any of those. It looked large enough to fit hundreds, its dark teak dazzling in the sunlight as it floated lightly on the lake. Teal banners adorned with the icons of studded golden pyramids and starry silver salt tablets flew from the masts. Its many amber-colored sails — and Nahri counted at least a dozen — dwarfed the glimmering decks. Segmented and ribs, the sails looked more like wings than anything that belonged on a boat, and they shivered and undulated in the wind like living things.”

The story is told from the POV of the three main characters, Nahri, Ali, and Dara, and after the prologue, it picks up 5 years after the events in book 1. For the majority of the book, the characters aren’t engaged with each other, and deal with their own struggles, but the entire book was building up to a major climax. And when it happened, I still wasn’t prepared.

Each of the characters have their own flaws, and they’re so morally gray (although Ali isn’t morally gray so much as rigidly upstanding), but also so endearing that I wanted to see them each wind up happy, even though each of them is trapped in circumstances beyond their control. I honestly didn’t see a way for any of them to get out of their individual situations, but I still hoped.

Nahri’s still a character that is amazing. She’s smart, strong, and tough, even in a place that doesn’t feel like home, isn’t safe, and where she is surrounded by people she can’t trust. And being alone for so long is causing her to question herself, even as she’s forced to become a pawn in the political maneuverings in the royal family of Daevabad. Her character arc is definitely one of the most striking in this series.

“Nahri had once quietly feared that it was her, that growing up alone on Cairo’s streets with abilities that terrified everyone had broken her, shaped her into a person who didn’t know how to forge a genuine bond.”

Ali changes a little less throughout the series, but he grew a lot in this book. His whole life changed as a result of the events in the first book, and there’s something about him that just drew me in. He’s a major player in the book, and I respect his courage to stand up for his values, no matter how difficult that is.

Dara is the other piece of the puzzle. I truly empathized with his struggle. All he wants is peace and to be free, but he’s forced into a life of service. He wanted to do something different, but wasn’t able to. It made it even more clear that rather than being seen as a person, he’s viewed as a weapon instead, and he’s really starting to resent that role. Hopefully, he’s realizing that only Nahri ever saw him differently.

The story weaves a variety of plot threads together to create a stunning tapestry, combining character arcs, politics, romance, emotions, intrigue, surprising plot twists, and elements drawn from a range of cultures. I was hooked immediately and couldn’t stop reading. I’m planning to get my hands on the next book soon, and I have already promised myself that I won’t wait long before starting it.

Content Warnings

annalisaely's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A bit slow in the middle, and some characters *cough* Dara *cough* are a little hard to listen to winge after a while, but overall I liked seeing the continuous world building and getting to know our characters more and seeing how what has happened to and around them has shaped them. It's definitely interesting to look at the question of how to stop racism when everybody hates everybody and all three groups have done horrible things whenever they have been in power. Usually in books these issues are simplified a lot, so it's nice to see S.A. Chakraborty really going in on them.

Content Warnings

More...