Scan barcode
A review by voypel
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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
4.75
Summary:
The Dragon Republic is a great military fantasy sequel of „The Poppy War“. Decidedly less explicit but just as dark and full of strong character development, it draws not only a compelling fantasy story, but also a twisting caricature of past and modern history. If you liked the first part, you will probably also enjoy this. Rebecca Kuang kept her enthralling and merciless writing style, leaving one reeling after the read.
.25 were docked for some strange pacing and interrelation in the middle part.
Storytelling & Characters:
This book has even more of the cold tactical realities the first book already employed, making this even more into a military fantasy. The change between withdrawn top down perspective during tactical meetings and close reality of the strong characters is really well executed.
I loved the character developments especially Venka and Nezha, these two are so strong. I never read a kinda enemies to lovers/friends as good and realistic as Rin and Nezha. , and after losing herself completely in the first book, this one focusses on Rin trying to find herself and a sense of living. Also, I always respect seamless introduction of new important characters and the killing off of liked ones.
Pacing:
Really good pacing, plotwise more medium fast, but the tension points are placed so well that you basically can’t lay it down.
Tldr:
Good book, please read it. Equally ruthless and dark as the first one but not es explicit, it catches you completely.
The Dragon Republic is a great military fantasy sequel of „The Poppy War“. Decidedly less explicit but just as dark and full of strong character development, it draws not only a compelling fantasy story, but also a twisting caricature of past and modern history. If you liked the first part, you will probably also enjoy this. Rebecca Kuang kept her enthralling and merciless writing style, leaving one reeling after the read.
.25 were docked for some strange pacing and interrelation in the middle part.
Storytelling & Characters:
This book has even more of the cold tactical realities the first book already employed, making this even more into a military fantasy. The change between withdrawn top down perspective during tactical meetings and close reality of the strong characters is really well executed.
I loved the character developments
Pacing:
Really good pacing, plotwise more medium fast, but the tension points are placed so well that you basically can’t lay it down.
Tldr:
Good book, please read it. Equally ruthless and dark as the first one but not es explicit, it catches you completely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Racism and Rape