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A review by syddey_syd
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
BRUTAL.
Kuang has the ability to keep me on my toes with this series. I never knew what was coming next, but I did always know it wouldn’t be good.
Rin is a difficult character to like (in my opinion). Her decisions often baffle me, but they fit her character. The brutality of war is very manifest in this book; possibly a little less graphic than the first, but not by much. Racism, classicism, sexism—all of the isms are present. It made for a ponderous read, and I often had to take breaks because the subject matter was so heavy.
In terms of moving along the series, this was a fitting sequel to the first book. Rin had some character development, Nikara politics thicken, and even more outside forces come into play. I’m very interested to see how Kuang ties up the series. Reading is like watching a train wreck—it’s terrible and messy, but I can’t seem to look away.
Kuang has the ability to keep me on my toes with this series. I never knew what was coming next, but I did always know it wouldn’t be good.
Rin is a difficult character to like (in my opinion). Her decisions often baffle me, but they fit her character. The brutality of war is very manifest in this book; possibly a little less graphic than the first, but not by much. Racism, classicism, sexism—all of the isms are present. It made for a ponderous read, and I often had to take breaks because the subject matter was so heavy.
In terms of moving along the series, this was a fitting sequel to the first book. Rin had some character development, Nikara politics thicken, and even more outside forces come into play. I’m very interested to see how Kuang ties up the series. Reading is like watching a train wreck—it’s terrible and messy, but I can’t seem to look away.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Drug use, Religious bigotry, War, Addiction, Classism, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Racism, Self harm, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Rape