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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
I felt this book does a great job of addressing the effects of colonization and class structures through a fantasy alt-history. Kuang’s world-building and characterizations were engaging and I love the approachability of the messaging. While I found the pacing inconsistent at times, I think this is a great example of how literary fiction can educate one on deep topics of the world we live in.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Murder, Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, War, Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Xenophobia, Toxic friendship
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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:
Yes
Writing an alternative history fiction on colonialism and violence, I think R.F. Kuang does a good job in storytelling. The book is heavily inspired by Frantz Fanon’s work, as I am currently getting through Wretched of the Earth which also argues the necessity of violence in anti-colonialism. The characters are well developed and the whole writing style seems to be simple yet well researched. One thing i would point out is the authors use of footnotes. I get that it’s for context or additional commentary, but it seems excessive and at times felt like it disrupted the story.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Found myself really enjoying the first half but the second dragged. Liked the commentary on translation and colonialism
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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:
Yes
DNF @ 42%….
I wanted to like this so bad but it is just… insanely boring. Nothing happens. Like… ever. And after reading reviews, I’ve concluded that nothing WILL happen. Very sad and disappointed because it took me like 6 hours I could’ve spent reading something else.
I wanted to like this so bad but it is just… insanely boring. Nothing happens. Like… ever. And after reading reviews, I’ve concluded that nothing WILL happen. Very sad and disappointed because it took me like 6 hours I could’ve spent reading something else.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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:
Complicated
dark
emotional
informative
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:
No
dark
emotional
reflective
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:
No