A review by books_and_cream_cheese
Babel by R.F. Kuang

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective 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? No

5.0

The moment I finished the first chapter, I knew R. F. Kuang would become one of my favourite authors. This book is PHENOMENAL. The themes that are woven within the story, the crazy amount of research and planning this must have taken... my jaw is on the floor. I understand the problems some people seem to have with this book, it's certainly not without flaws (more Victoire, pleeeeaaase!) - but holy shit, it's SO strong. I was sucked in from page one and couldn't put it down. 

Absolutely can't believe that Kuang is just 26 years old - beyond impressive, I couldn'teven write a decent e-mail at that age. Obviously, I now have to read everything she's ever written (and will write in the future). 

Sidenote: I own the German version of this book and I just have to say... the golden foil on the cover is absolutely beautiful, but - the magic metal the whole book is about is SILVER, HOW COULD YOU 😅😅