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adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
This book is INTENSE!!! It spoke to me as a Chinese American educated on the massacres between China and Japan during and before WW2, but it was an intense read that left me feeling empty. But it grips you to the point you can’t not read the sequels. I am curious to see how the characters handle the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, Colonisation, War
dark
emotional
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
I have so many conflicting feelings about this book. But first, before any of that, I think it would be deeply irresponsible to read this story without at least a baseline understanding of the history on which it’s based - the Second Sino-Japanese War (part of WWII), the Nanjing Massacre, the Yellow River Flood, and Unit 731. With Nikra being China, the Federation of Mugen being Japan, and Speer likely representing Taiwan.
While Kuang crafts a wondrous and terrifying fantasy world of Gods and magic, her story is very much based on real events that happened within living memory - the war crimes described (in gruesome detail) in Part 3 happened to real people. We, as readers, need to hold that, learn, and remember.
—-
Honestly, during Part 1, I really thought it was going to be one of the best books I’d ever read. I was hooked, the writing was deep and well paced - the exploration of theology, class, colorism, and meritocracy expertly woven into Rin’s story. I felt so deeply for her, especially considering the fact that she is a child through all this.
My only two qualms were:
(1) that the provinces were named after the Chinese Zodiac. Given the attention to historical and cultural detail, it seemed like a cheap and inaccurate way to portion up the country
(2) that especially as the war drew near, was Jiang’s blatant refusal to explain his reasoning to Rin that channeling the Gods power was wrong. They’re at a military academy. Of course she will be curious about the weaponization of such a power. And, yes, I get that it fits his eccentric character but none of the other teachers stepping in? No way. It’s obvious as the book goes on they understand that there are shamans who command godly power and not one of them tried to talk to her? I can’t believe that. Especially considering the Cike exists.
Anyway, on to Part 2, the war, and a complete tonal shift. I’m glad Kuang did not shy away from the horror of it all. War, as the saying goes, is hell - I’m glad it’s represented as such. The fact that almost all of the Cike are basically children makes every battle all the more horrifying, especially when you consider they are being asked/used to commit terrible violence which pushes them to the point of obliteration or madness.
The pacing in this section was much slower than the first, with Rin’s entire stay in Khurdalain detailed in an almost day to day manor. It was a little too slow for me, too much attention spent on Rin sulking and wondering the city. That said, I did love the development the pacing allowed us to see between her and Nezha’s character - from enemies to comrades in arms to friends.
Last but not least, Part 3 - war crimes, war crimes, and more war crimes. This is where Kuang lost me. Most glaringly because of how consistently Rin acted out of character. Prime examples include:
(1) how she glazed over Venka’s testimony (considering the fear of sexual violence was her primary motivator to leave her hometown)
(2) agreeing with Altan to free the Gods/demigods (while she is highly motivated by rage and vengeance many of her critical decisions up to this point have been made based on her gut (choosing the Lore path for example) and morality (putting herself in danger to save civilians or friends))
This section is also where I think a very important discussion on the place of truth in fiction should be had. For while fantasy/sci-fi/etc can be a very effective vessels to talk about real events, it has to be done purposefully and with an abundance of care - especially when it has to do with genocide (in this case multiple genocides). I don’t think it was done particularly well in this book. I say this because while the massacre of Golyn Niis was deeply horrifying, in the moment, for our characters what they witnessed was not central motivating forces for them as the book went on. Instead it was their own injuries inflicted by the Mugen or atrocities that happened decades ago that fueled their rage (in this case I’m talking about Rin, not Altan). I also found it deeply concerning that nobody besides Kitay is horrified by the fact that Rin single handedly committed a genocide. Though I’m hopeful this will be discussed further in this next book.
While Kuang crafts a wondrous and terrifying fantasy world of Gods and magic, her story is very much based on real events that happened within living memory - the war crimes described (in gruesome detail) in Part 3 happened to real people. We, as readers, need to hold that, learn, and remember.
—-
Honestly, during Part 1, I really thought it was going to be one of the best books I’d ever read. I was hooked, the writing was deep and well paced - the exploration of theology, class, colorism, and meritocracy expertly woven into Rin’s story. I felt so deeply for her, especially considering the fact that she is a child through all this.
My only two qualms were:
(1) that the provinces were named after the Chinese Zodiac. Given the attention to historical and cultural detail, it seemed like a cheap and inaccurate way to portion up the country
(2) that especially as the war drew near, was Jiang’s blatant refusal to explain his reasoning to Rin that channeling the Gods power was wrong. They’re at a military academy. Of course she will be curious about the weaponization of such a power. And, yes, I get that it fits his eccentric character but none of the other teachers stepping in? No way. It’s obvious as the book goes on they understand that there are shamans who command godly power and not one of them tried to talk to her? I can’t believe that. Especially considering the Cike exists.
Anyway, on to Part 2, the war, and a complete tonal shift. I’m glad Kuang did not shy away from the horror of it all. War, as the saying goes, is hell - I’m glad it’s represented as such. The fact that almost all of the Cike are basically children makes every battle all the more horrifying, especially when you consider they are being asked/used to commit terrible violence which pushes them to the point of obliteration or madness.
The pacing in this section was much slower than the first, with Rin’s entire stay in Khurdalain detailed in an almost day to day manor. It was a little too slow for me, too much attention spent on Rin sulking and wondering the city. That said, I did love the development the pacing allowed us to see between her and Nezha’s character - from enemies to comrades in arms to friends.
Last but not least, Part 3 - war crimes, war crimes, and more war crimes. This is where Kuang lost me. Most glaringly because of how consistently Rin acted out of character. Prime examples include:
(1) how she glazed over Venka’s testimony (considering the fear of sexual violence was her primary motivator to leave her hometown)
(2) agreeing with Altan to free the Gods/demigods (while she is highly motivated by rage and vengeance many of her critical decisions up to this point have been made based on her gut (choosing the Lore path for example) and morality (putting herself in danger to save civilians or friends))
This section is also where I think a very important discussion on the place of truth in fiction should be had. For while fantasy/sci-fi/etc can be a very effective vessels to talk about real events, it has to be done purposefully and with an abundance of care - especially when it has to do with genocide (in this case multiple genocides). I don’t think it was done particularly well in this book. I say this because while the massacre of Golyn Niis was deeply horrifying, in the moment, for our characters what they witnessed was not central motivating forces for them as the book went on. Instead it was their own injuries inflicted by the Mugen or atrocities that happened decades ago that fueled their rage (in this case I’m talking about Rin, not Altan). I also found it deeply concerning that nobody besides Kitay is horrified by the fact that Rin single handedly committed a genocide. Though I’m hopeful this will be discussed further in this next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Sexual violence, War
Moderate: Addiction, Racism, Self harm, Violence, Classism
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Genocide, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Fire/Fire injury, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
fast-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
6 stars. It’s incredible. I’m traumatized.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child death, Genocide, Sexism, Sexual violence, Violence, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
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
This trilogy is phenomenal. I’ve recommended it to many friends (who can handle the dark, depressing, and gory nature of wartime) and decided to start my year off by rereading the trilogy while simultaneously attacking my reading goals for the year.
I’m still speechless at how beautiful and wonderfully-planned this novel is (especially for being a debut!) considering it is one of the darkest books I’ve encountered. While it’s not labeled as being a historical fiction, I know RF Kuang did immense research to create a story surrounding horrific events in China’s past.
I’m blown away by her masterful work and am eager to read more!
I’m still speechless at how beautiful and wonderfully-planned this novel is (especially for being a debut!) considering it is one of the darkest books I’ve encountered. While it’s not labeled as being a historical fiction, I know RF Kuang did immense research to create a story surrounding horrific events in China’s past.
I’m blown away by her masterful work and am eager to read more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, War
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Life changing, perspective changing, thought provoking, complex emotions and characters, big tone shift, heartbreaking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Physical abuse
This is a war novel based on REAL events from the Sino Japanese wars.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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
I should’ve picked up this book sooner holy crap. Its giving Mulan with more war and more magic so waaaaaay better. I need to get my hands on book two ASAP!!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Death, Drug abuse, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Murder, War
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Violence, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault
Moderate: Addiction
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Genocide, Gore, Sexual violence, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction