A review by shannahtan
The Dragon Republic, by R.F. Kuang

dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I thought this book moved much faster than the first one. Rin is really unbearable. She is completely unable to process emotion, and she really has no remorse for any of the shit she has done which includes genocide and  bad leadership leading to the Cike injuries and death but at the same time she’s so torn up about Altan dying. She blames herself for his death which feels like it doesn’t really fit her character. She would commit mass genocide on the Mugen again, but she also feels bad about it?! I do think it’s interesting how you can root for Rin at times while also hating her. I often wonder why the Cike stay with her, but I guess that’s similar to followers of Mao. Basically, everyone sucks, but you also kind of want them to turn it around. I guess I’ll read the 3rd to see if it happens. If you never learned about Chinese history, this might be an interesting foray for you. 
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