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A review by natoriety
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-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
Reading the Poppy War, I didn’t think that there would be much to be expanded on in another two books. Of course, Kuang proved me beyond wrong.
The Dragon Republic not only didn’t disappoint, it went beyond any and all expectations I could have held. There was even more war, literal and mental, betrayals, death and so much suffering that by the end I am unsure if anything could possibly be okay for any of the characters by the end.
To he frank, I was at first very at odds with Rin, especially as she battled with her opium addiction. That frustration never disappeared for me because Rin is flawed. But because she is flawed she makes for such an interesting main character to follow who brings up important moral dilemmas, relevant in today's world as well.
I greatly enjoyed the bond Rin and Kitay developed even further in this book—real siblings if I ever knew any, or platonic soulmates.
At the same time, I was as confused as her about her connection with Nezha, who often seemed genuine but then unnecessarily cold and cruel. By the end, it all made sense but the two of them really played with the strings of my heart.
Speaking of playing with my heart, the Cike were definitely the masters of that. When I think I am safe, they would sneak up on me and break my heart again and again. Qara, Baji and Suni, and the sacrifice of Ramsa especially affected me. In the end, they were all just kids and young adults playing war who deserved better than death while trying to protect what was important to them.
I confirmed for myself that I really enjoy the way Kuang writes in the sense that there really isn’t a boring moment or chapter. Everything is important to build the characters and the plot and arrive at an exciting conclusion at the end.
The Dragon Republic was certainly a well-constructed second book and I am excited to learn what shall be the conclusion to Rin’s story in the next book.
The Dragon Republic not only didn’t disappoint, it went beyond any and all expectations I could have held. There was even more war, literal and mental, betrayals, death and so much suffering that by the end I am unsure if anything could possibly be okay for any of the characters by the end.
I greatly enjoyed the bond Rin and Kitay developed even further in this book—real siblings if I ever knew any, or platonic soulmates.
At the same time, I was as confused as her about her connection with Nezha, who often seemed genuine but then unnecessarily cold and cruel. By the end, it all made sense but the two of them really played with the strings of my heart.
Speaking of playing with my heart, the Cike were definitely the masters of that. When I think I am safe, they would sneak up on me and break my heart again and again. Qara, Baji and Suni, and the sacrifice of Ramsa especially affected me. In the end, they were all just kids and young adults playing war who deserved better than death while trying to protect what was important to them.
I confirmed for myself that I really enjoy the way Kuang writes in the sense that there really isn’t a boring moment or chapter. Everything is important to build the characters and the plot and arrive at an exciting conclusion at the end.
The Dragon Republic was certainly a well-constructed second book and I am excited to learn what shall be the conclusion to Rin’s story in the next book.