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A review by artemisg
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.0
This book is an incredible sequel! Kuang was not struck with the middle book curse, if anything, this book is bigger and better than The Poppy War (although both are incredible). This is likely due to the world and characters being well-established; there is little need for exposition and worldbuilding; we can just get straight to the action.
This book is set after the Third Poppy War, which ended in Rin’s mass destruction of an entire nation. It follows Rin and her team (the Cike my beloved) as they attempt to assassinate the Empress, who is more powerful than she appears. Eventually, Rin and the Cike join the so-called Dragon Republic in a revolution aiming to institute democracy. This book also introduces some Hesperian characters, inspired by the colonial British Empire and other Western forces of power. With the introduction of the monotheistic Hesperians, this book dives into theological debates. It gives readers a greater understanding of the belief systems of Nikan and Rin’s connection to her god. This book is full of assassination plots, political debates, and discussions of imperialism and power. The characters are betrayed and betray one another, forming friendships and lifelong bonds, and Rin becomes more and more powerful and dangerous.
The fear of madness was gone, but not the impossible power. The power remained, a deep well from which she could draw when she chose.
And now she could choose.
As with the first book, this book is evocative and powerful, and in addition, it makes you think about the morally grey areas of war and revolution we love to ignore. Kuang does not shy away from graphic depictions of war, death, torture, and rape, and she does not shy away from making Rin a complex, power-hungry, violent protagonist. This book surrounds civil wars and begins to bring into play the power battles between south and north Nikan, emphasising the power that Hesperia holds over the future of the Empire. It also emphasises the Hesperian dehumanisation of Nikara people, their dismissal of their religious beliefs, and their understanding of civilisation. The unfortunate historical accuracy of colonial mindsets was really powerful and important.
“A necessary experiment. We didn’t come here to lend ships at your will, Vaisra. This is an investigation.”
“Into what?”
“Whether the Nikara are ready for civilization.”
This book expanded on every character, making them into more well-rounded and sympathetic (or unsympathetic) people. Kitay remains supreme, and the Rin Nezha dynamic hit different, including the end. I remain in a contentious relationship with Rin, she’s just so powerful and cool that I can’t help but root for her, but sometimes she does stuff I cannot understand or forgive. I suppose that’s a testament to Kuang’s writing; she has truly perfected the morally grey protagonist. And that ending! I am rooting for Rin like never before.
This book is set after the Third Poppy War, which ended in Rin’s mass destruction of an entire nation. It follows Rin and her team (the Cike my beloved) as they attempt to assassinate the Empress, who is more powerful than she appears. Eventually, Rin and the Cike join the so-called Dragon Republic in a revolution aiming to institute democracy. This book also introduces some Hesperian characters, inspired by the colonial British Empire and other Western forces of power. With the introduction of the monotheistic Hesperians, this book dives into theological debates. It gives readers a greater understanding of the belief systems of Nikan and Rin’s connection to her god. This book is full of assassination plots, political debates, and discussions of imperialism and power. The characters are betrayed and betray one another, forming friendships and lifelong bonds, and Rin becomes more and more powerful and dangerous.
The fear of madness was gone, but not the impossible power. The power remained, a deep well from which she could draw when she chose.
And now she could choose.
As with the first book, this book is evocative and powerful, and in addition, it makes you think about the morally grey areas of war and revolution we love to ignore. Kuang does not shy away from graphic depictions of war, death, torture, and rape, and she does not shy away from making Rin a complex, power-hungry, violent protagonist. This book surrounds civil wars and begins to bring into play the power battles between south and north Nikan, emphasising the power that Hesperia holds over the future of the Empire. It also emphasises the Hesperian dehumanisation of Nikara people, their dismissal of their religious beliefs, and their understanding of civilisation. The unfortunate historical accuracy of colonial mindsets was really powerful and important.
“A necessary experiment. We didn’t come here to lend ships at your will, Vaisra. This is an investigation.”
“Into what?”
“Whether the Nikara are ready for civilization.”
This book expanded on every character, making them into more well-rounded and sympathetic (or unsympathetic) people. Kitay remains supreme, and the Rin Nezha dynamic hit different, including the end. I remain in a contentious relationship with Rin, she’s just so powerful and cool that I can’t help but root for her, but sometimes she does stuff I cannot understand or forgive. I suppose that’s a testament to Kuang’s writing; she has truly perfected the morally grey protagonist. And that ending! I am rooting for Rin like never before.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Rape, Murder, and War
Minor: Miscarriage