A review by kp_reads_in_the_dark
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad 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? It's complicated

3.5

The Dragon Republic moved a little quicker in terms of timeline and action, which helped with the pace of the story. I appreciated how the various characters interacted more and had chances to develop, especially Kitay, Chaghan, Qara, and Venka. The battles continue to be graphic and heartbreaking. I have to also say that diving more into the domestic and international politics and history of this world is becoming more and more interesting. It all feels messy and unfair, which is kinda the point of this whole series, I'm thinking.

Actually, maybe the whole thing can be summed up by the quote (omen) "nothing lasts," as it says on the Red Cliffs...

 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail

I really began to hope for Nezha but, in the end, he really was what he always was - a spoiled aristocrat. Man, fuck that guy. I was so pissed, lol. Maybe there's a redemption arc coming in the last book, but at this point I've given up hope. Kuang seems to have zero qualms about "killing her darlings," so just beware (if the first book didn't teach you that already). As much as I am exasperated with Rin, I feel like I'm right there with her on the overwhelm, rage, confusion, and daddy issues 😂😭 my heart broke when Suni and Baki died; they did not deserve that death. And I already miss Ramsa. I feel batteree, but committed to see this through. I'm taking a few days, and then I'll start The Burning God.