A review by aseel_reads
Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark reflective tense slow-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

4.0

i really enjoyed the social critique this book had on academia, colonisation, empire, knowledge etc. i actually really like the footnotes, there were not too many of them. it was definitely quite slow in the middle and the big thing that happened, i had been waiting all book for it to happen. i think it had a realistic ending and i like the blend of history and magic that the author managed. i do think i didn't care that much for the characters themselves, just their circumstances. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Racial slurs, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Slavery, War, Animal death, Addiction, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Child death, Colonisation, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Violence, and Xenophobia