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A review by rorikae
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
challenging
dark
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
3.5
In 'The Grace of Kings,' Ken Liu starts an epic fantasy silkpunk series that centers on two men who will shape the future of their empire.
Kuni Garu and Mata Zyndu grow up in separate areas of the empire. After Emperor Mapidere's death and the ascension of the boy emperor Erishi, the political situation in the empire becomes less stable and both men begin to forge their own paths. When they meet, they strike up respect for one another that becomes a fast friendship. But as the trials of trying to gain control in the empire increase, their friendship and loyalty to one another is tested.
I'm a little bit conflicted about this book. It starts off with an incredibly memorable first scene that does a great job of establishing the world and the empire but then it loses its track for the first 20 to 30% of the book. Liu takes time with each of the characters he introduces but instead of weaving these together to explore more of the backstory of the empire, it feels jumbled and hard to follow. We are constantly being pulled to and fro with new characters and it makes it hard to establish the main characters of the story until far into the book. Once the introductions and background settle and the story focuses more squarely on Kuni Garu and Mata Zyndu, it flows much better and is much more intriguing. Liu's use of backstory works better further along in the story when characters are introduced every once and awhile and the backstories are allowed the time to flesh out the characters and how they connect to the wider plot. Other than some of these later additions, I found it hard to remember many of the characters beyond the main set.
Some of my favorite parts of the story are the ways that Liu uses the gods and their meddling in human affairs as well as the way technology is utilized. Once the story moves from introducing characters to focusing on character development, it hit its stride and I became far more invested in Kuni Garu and Mata Zyndu.
I would be interested to read the next book in the series, especially the way that this book ends. I thought that some of the main parts of this story would continue on throughout the series but with how the book wraps up, it is clear that it will be heading in new directions in book two.
Kuni Garu and Mata Zyndu grow up in separate areas of the empire. After Emperor Mapidere's death and the ascension of the boy emperor Erishi, the political situation in the empire becomes less stable and both men begin to forge their own paths. When they meet, they strike up respect for one another that becomes a fast friendship. But as the trials of trying to gain control in the empire increase, their friendship and loyalty to one another is tested.
I'm a little bit conflicted about this book. It starts off with an incredibly memorable first scene that does a great job of establishing the world and the empire but then it loses its track for the first 20 to 30% of the book. Liu takes time with each of the characters he introduces but instead of weaving these together to explore more of the backstory of the empire, it feels jumbled and hard to follow. We are constantly being pulled to and fro with new characters and it makes it hard to establish the main characters of the story until far into the book. Once the introductions and background settle and the story focuses more squarely on Kuni Garu and Mata Zyndu, it flows much better and is much more intriguing. Liu's use of backstory works better further along in the story when characters are introduced every once and awhile and the backstories are allowed the time to flesh out the characters and how they connect to the wider plot. Other than some of these later additions, I found it hard to remember many of the characters beyond the main set.
Some of my favorite parts of the story are the ways that Liu uses the gods and their meddling in human affairs as well as the way technology is utilized. Once the story moves from introducing characters to focusing on character development, it hit its stride and I became far more invested in Kuni Garu and Mata Zyndu.
I would be interested to read the next book in the series, especially the way that this book ends. I thought that some of the main parts of this story would continue on throughout the series but with how the book wraps up, it is clear that it will be heading in new directions in book two.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Murder, Suicide, Torture, Violence, War, and Infidelity