Reviews tagging 'Blood'

Опиумная война by R.F. Kuang

1876 reviews

adventurous dark emotional 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

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dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Had to dnf at 75% when I realized the necessity of content warnings. Swing from boring to gratuitously, gruesomely violence, with derivative echoes of game of thrones, umbrella academy and more filling up pages between. Tonal whiplash.

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adventurous challenging dark emotional 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

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad 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

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-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

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The way R.F. Kuang weaved the fantasy narrative with a metaphorical parallel to the history (Second Sino-Japanese War) was nothing short of brilliant. This was such a smart, thought-provoking novel. I'm not usually drawn to fantasy, but the integration of gods and the spiritual realm was incredibly well done.  

Rin’s journey—from poverty to military school to the horrors of war—was gripping and raw. I kept hoping for a fairytale moment for her, but Kuang did not shy away from the brutal realities of power, ambition, and sacrifice. And that ending—my jaw dropped! I did not see it coming at all. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series.

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is was an amazing read. I thought I would have a hard time with the war planning and things but it was pretty easy to follow. There are some things that are dark and really hit you right in the face. I suggest checking spoilers/tw for this book if you feel that’s something you need. 

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adventurous dark emotional 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 follows Rin, a poor orphan from Rooster Province, who surprises everyone by acing the Empire-wide Keju exam, gaining entry to Sinegard, the prestigious military academy. There, she faces discrimination due to her background, race & gender. However, she discovers she possesses powerful shamanic abilities, an ancient & dangerous form of magic. Under the guidance of an eccentric teacher, Rin learns to tap into the power of gods, especially the vengeful Phoenix, which could help her survive & protect her people. As tensions rise with the neighboring Federation of Mugen, Rin realizes that mastering her power might come at the cost of her humanity, and the impending Third Poppy War might force her to make impossible choices.
Excuse me as I move on to The Dragon Republic (Book 2) to avoid a SERIOUS book hangover. I went into this not expecting anything - in fact, I think I was kind of dreading it? It's a long book, and fantasy can be hit or miss, maybe even intimidating at times. And even though this book was slow at first, when it took off... IT TOOK OFF. I already knew it was going to be 5 stars before I even finished. I think I mentioned this in a status update while reading, but it's kind of like Fourth Wing meets The Umbrella Academy, with just a twinge of Teen Titans. This just rang all the literary bells for me, and I am SO excited for the second book in this trilogy. I had it borrowed from Libby before I even finished this one, which I did a combo of audio & paperback for.

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adventurous challenging dark tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

really didn't like the main character (besides the obvious reasons of being an intentionally questionable character). I like the way the book started with her drive and learning at the school. Even the change to war times was interesting but the grimdark third of the book was difficult to read and felt like trauma porn that was unnecessary for the plot development. It was good writing and interesting characters but felt let down with the way it took a turn.

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adventurous challenging dark reflective 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

finished this book and stared at the wall for a long time after. what an incredibly heart-breaking story, and one that feels achingly relevant to current events happening in the world. the final 150 or so pages were absolutely devastating and so hard to read at times, but i also couldn’t put it down. just… what an amazing book.

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