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supermando's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
This book was a ride! It started in the middle of action and never really let go. I was nervous as usual going into the second book when I already thought the first was great. I didn’t really see what direction the story was headed for a while that would make sense. Well, nothing to worry about there and we have clear direction going into the third
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Gore, War, and Torture
thepaperbackboo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
adisiki's review against another edition
5.0
So good!!!!!!!!! I’m so obsessed with Rin’s journey, her friendship with Kitay is so sweet and her complicated relationship with Nezha is so well-done. The writing is so good, the pacing was great in this one, there was a never a dull moment for how long it is, and I can’t wait to see how the series wraps up. This story brings out such strong feelings in me, the racism and religious zealotry of the Hesperians is so real and parallels to our real world in a sickening, sad way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Drug use, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, Rape, Self harm, Blood, Murder, Racism, Death, and War
sadonohue's review against another edition
dark
fast-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
2.0
I feel like I am the only person who dislikes this book but I found it truly awful. Yes, Kuang's writing is very good as in it is enjoyable to read but it is entirely unclear what she is trying to say in this book. Is she against all war? Does think some wars are inevitable? She seems to have a strangely pro- genocide stance as long as the people being killed are the "bad guys"? I like to think that she is trying to make an actual point but it is just so unclear.
The violence is also so over the top as to make me numb to it. Every single character on the opposing side has to be almost a caricature of evil. Literally every single one is an irredeemable sociopath. Which in my opinion, is always bad writing, but when you're clearly pulling from actual countries and cultures that exist in the real world, teeters on racist.
Not to mention her twist at the end that really the Europeans were behind all of this is not only incredibly predictable, but also incredibly boring take on war.
Overall I think this is the most overrated book I have read in years. I give is two stars purely because the actual prose is good, but I found almost all her attempts to actually say something truly bad.
The violence is also so over the top as to make me numb to it. Every single character on the opposing side has to be almost a caricature of evil. Literally every single one is an irredeemable sociopath. Which in my opinion, is always bad writing, but when you're clearly pulling from actual countries and cultures that exist in the real world, teeters on racist.
Overall I think this is the most overrated book I have read in years. I give is two stars purely because the actual prose is good, but I found almost all her attempts to actually say something truly bad.
voypel's review
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 but the tension points are placed so well that you basically can’t lay it down.
Tldr:
Good book, please read it.
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 but the tension points are placed so well that you basically can’t lay it down.
Tldr:
Good book, please read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Rape and Racism
keuchang's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I feel like Rin has learned a bit more empathy now and I love kitay. She is still intense, but less uncontrolled than in the first book
jacbom17's review against another edition
5.0
Loved. It really picked up the second half. There were a few small plot twists. Kuang's writing doesn't seem to have many so it was fun. I really liked the depth of the character's relationships compared to the first book. Would super recommend. Can't wait to pick up the last book :)
anitaboeira's review against another edition
4.5
It's gritty. But it's also better fantasy world building and plotting and characters than Martin and Jordan could even dream of.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Murder, Rape, Xenophobia, War, Grief, Gore, Genocide, Drug use, Colonisation, Blood, Torture, Sexual violence, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Racism, Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Vomit, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicide attempt