A review by rubbertree14
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It’s hard to rate this book, as the writing itself is good and the world building is good, and I love how the author has tied fantasy and history together. But, the book feels longer than it needs to be. I wish there were less characters to track and more delving into the ones that have front stage, especially the women in this book. All the female characters seem very one-dimensional, even our leading lady. I think the only well-developed character in this series is Kitay. The history and lore is amazing, but wish the plot and characters were there as well. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

Graphic