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A review by bookishmillennial
King of the Rising by Kacen Callender
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
This book is told from the point of view of Loren, an important member of the rebellion, which I felt was a promising start to this book. Ummmm, wow. This book was again graphic, brutal, unrelenting, and devastating. If you are going to read this series, manage your expectations because woof.
I really should not have thought this duology would have a happy ending though. I get that this is a commentary on leadership, how oppressive structures are so deeply intertwined and instilled in us, and how much harder it is to win a revolution and lead a rebellion than it is to just "fall in line and take it". However, it was not a feel-good or hopeful series. Sheesh. (I don't need happily ever afters in every book, I was just thoroughly surprised with this one, that's all!)
Anyway, I won't spoil too much, but I will say that I rooted for Loren and recognized his plight in wondering if he could really stomach what a revolution and rebellion entailed (like... poor human, you have a soul! /genuine, it's hard when others only know how to use the violence that was once used against them). Loren's struggle felt sadly authentic and relatable, to any wide-eyed activist or accomplice who wants to make things better, but doesn't know how to get there. Who contends with the fact that maybe you do have to do some unsavory things to get there. It's heartbreaking to come to terms with, as you ideally want a better world for everyone.
Anyway, I'm devastated and need a fluffy romcom now. Bye!
This book is told from the point of view of Loren, an important member of the rebellion, which I felt was a promising start to this book. Ummmm, wow. This book was again graphic, brutal, unrelenting, and devastating. If you are going to read this series, manage your expectations because woof.
I really should not have thought this duology would have a happy ending though. I get that this is a commentary on leadership, how oppressive structures are so deeply intertwined and instilled in us, and how much harder it is to win a revolution and lead a rebellion than it is to just "fall in line and take it". However, it was not a feel-good or hopeful series. Sheesh. (I don't need happily ever afters in every book, I was just thoroughly surprised with this one, that's all!)
Anyway, I won't spoil too much, but I will say that I rooted for Loren and recognized his plight in wondering if he could really stomach what a revolution and rebellion entailed (like... poor human, you have a soul! /genuine, it's hard when others only know how to use the violence that was once used against them). Loren's struggle felt sadly authentic and relatable, to any wide-eyed activist or accomplice who wants to make things better, but doesn't know how to get there. Who contends with the fact that maybe you do have to do some unsavory things to get there. It's heartbreaking to come to terms with, as you ideally want a better world for everyone.
Anyway, I'm devastated and need a fluffy romcom now. Bye!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Pedophilia, and Suicide
Minor: Confinement, Sexual assault, and Torture