A review by lena_kellogg
The Burning God by R.F. Kuang

adventurous challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

If I’m being totally honest, I was so let down by the ending of this trilogy. I LOVED 95% of this series, but the ending of the final book felt too fast paced, had too many surprises that felt unbelievable, and just fell flat in comparison to how epic the entire story felt. 

Rin has survived two wars, and now a third is looming over the country of Nikara. She returns to her roots and aligns with the newly formed Southern Coalition to protect the people that raised her - and claim the power she desires. She encounters new challenges, adopts new allies, finds new foes, and dedicates herself to the only cause she can trust - her revenge. It’s an exciting culmination of Rin’s story. 

Even with the letdown of the ending, I would still recommend this high fantasy series to anyone looking for detailed worldbuilding, engrossing plot, and morally gray characters in abundance. 

This book seemed to have less graphic violence than the first two (with the first book being the heaviest). There is quite a bit of swearing accompanied with heavy themes. 

The worldbuilding is where this series stands out. Every detail is intricately woven. Extremely nuanced political situations are thrilling and not tedious. The mythology is carefully constructed to be comprehensible yet ethereal. The worldbuilding is a perfect balancing act between completely engrossing and being vast enough that as readers we know we’ll never know everything. 

You might be reading all my praise for this book and asking why I rated it only 3 stars. It really is just the ending. But don’t let that deter you from taking on this absolutely stunning series. I regret nothing. 
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