mk_loisirs's review against another edition
5.0
This review will be used for all three books in the trilogy because I couldn't separate my thoughts. There are no spoilers just vague references.
I waited over a month to write my review for this book (& the series in its entirety) because I really had to sit with my feelings. The longer I dwelled the better the book became. The story will stick with me for a very long time.
The prose was riveting. Despite descriptions of military battles/strategy, which I usually find boring, it was extremely entertaining. It was hard for me to put the books down.
The relationship building between Rin and the others (especially Kitay and Nezha) was some of the best I've ever read. Rin is a phenomenally unhinged & flawed main character. I am able to understand her motivations & was never angry with her choices- I don't know what that says about me & my morals but...
The story progressing throughout the three books was perfection. The mythology in the books and the magic (shamanism) that is fused within this military conflict (which is inspired by actual history) is so intriguing.
I am so incredibly content with the ending of the trilogy as well because it just fits. It is tragic (as all the books are) but it allowed Rin to end with complete agency. A lot was thrusted upon her and she dealt with it as best she could & in the end she took back control.
I waited over a month to write my review for this book (& the series in its entirety) because I really had to sit with my feelings. The longer I dwelled the better the book became. The story will stick with me for a very long time.
The prose was riveting. Despite descriptions of military battles/strategy, which I usually find boring, it was extremely entertaining. It was hard for me to put the books down.
The relationship building between Rin and the others (especially Kitay and Nezha) was some of the best I've ever read. Rin is a phenomenally unhinged & flawed main character. I am able to understand her motivations & was never angry with her choices- I don't know what that says about me & my morals but...
The story progressing throughout the three books was perfection. The mythology in the books and the magic (shamanism) that is fused within this military conflict (which is inspired by actual history) is so intriguing.
I am so incredibly content with the ending of the trilogy as well because it just fits. It is tragic (as all the books are) but it allowed Rin to end with complete agency. A lot was thrusted upon her and she dealt with it as best she could & in the end she took back control.
ka_ke's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? No
5.0
Omg. I can’t imagine this series ending with the next book. The Dragon Republic is a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute Rin is in desperate need of rehab, the next, she’s all powerful. Then she’s not and so on. Also… what the fuck Nezha?!!?
The world building continues to amaze as R.F. Kuang weaves a politically and socially devastating tale of colonialism, war and peace.
The world building continues to amaze as R.F. Kuang weaves a politically and socially devastating tale of colonialism, war and peace.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Religious bigotry, Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Rape, Addiction, Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Gaslighting, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Classism, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, War, Colonisation, Cursing, Self harm, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Body shaming, Abandonment, Gore, Racial slurs, Racism, Vomit, Xenophobia, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Genocide, Abortion, and Excrement
Minor: Dysphoria, Deportation, and Ableism
gristinni's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-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
jjustdylaan's review against another edition
4.0
it leaves you with your breath caught in your throat until the very last sentence. I never got bored once in these 600+ pages. Incredible critique of colonialism and missionary work.
mixter86's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
the_bookliopile's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
bibliolucinda's review against another edition
5.0
“You asked how large my sorrow is. And I answered, like a river in spring flowing east.”
rj96's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75