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

dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

In this series, Kuang weaves a brutal tale where fantasy and history, mythology and humanity, are brilliantly intertwined, making us forget what is fiction and what is not. And that’s why, when I finished The Poppy War, I already knew this would be one of the best series I ever read in my life. I also knew, without a doubt, that emotional damage was waiting for me in this sequel. Did that prepared me for it? No, not at all.

The Dragon’s Republic was unapologetically uncomfortable and cruel, so realistic that I almost forgot that I was reading a fantasy book. Reflecting on colonialism and inequality, this plot was masterfully done, keeping me completely hooked, even when I was sick to my stomach. Because this isn’t a story for the faintest of heart. It’s gross, violent and bloody, a tale of war, famine and destruction. It’s a mirror for humanity’s monstrosity, that never shy or hide from its true nature. Sometimes political intriguing, other times fantastically bizarre, this story kept me on edge at every turn and twist, surprising me every single time. 

For such a morally dubious story, we only could have a cast of characters as imperfect and complex as it. In this book, I hated Rin, I felt sorry for her, and even disgusted. She is one of the best characters I ever read in my life and I know she will surprise me until the last page of this story. Her path was hard and humiliating, her faults and addiction too many, but is impossible not root for her. Because she is everything and every one of us: a villain and a victim, a hero and a fool. 

There isn’t enough words to describe this book or how good it is. I could write a million reviews for this, and still didn’t say enough about it. The final for it is unpredictable and I can’t wait for the mess that is coming.