A review by dany_casimiro
The Burning God by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.75
A punch in the gut through and through from start to finish.
Despite all of its greatness, there are some areas where I think this entry lacks a bit. I would have loved to see a bit more focus on other characters, particularly Kitay. Maybe Nezha too, given his central role. The plot moves a little bit too fast, especially toward the end, with alliances shifting too fast for processing.
The whole symbolism and reframing of war history are brilliant. A big shout out to the Yin House's storyline and to the Dragon - probably one of the best narrative threads of the trilogy.
Kuang's sheer mastery of laying bare the inner workings of History's "vicious circles" of violence and discrimination is evident. The result? A mind-bending and nail-biting reading experience across-the-board that proves that humanity's creativity is not done yet.
Despite all of its greatness, there are some areas where I think this entry lacks a bit. I would have loved to see a bit more focus on other characters, particularly Kitay. Maybe Nezha too, given his central role. The plot moves a little bit too fast, especially toward the end, with alliances shifting too fast for processing.
Spoiler
This also gives the Trifecta's final arc and Arlong's overthrow a somewhat too-easy sense of accomplishment at the end.The whole symbolism and reframing of war history are brilliant. A big shout out to the Yin House's storyline and to the Dragon - probably one of the best narrative threads of the trilogy.
Kuang's sheer mastery of laying bare the inner workings of History's "vicious circles" of violence and discrimination is evident. The result? A mind-bending and nail-biting reading experience across-the-board that proves that humanity's creativity is not done yet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Sexual violence, Drug use, Colonisation, Violence, and War
Moderate: Slavery, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, and Xenophobia