A review by just_one_more_paige
The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty

adventurous emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.0

 
It has been, embarrassingly, years since I read City of Brass. In my defense, this book wasn't published yet, at the time, for me to have continued with the series then (though I do remember wishing it was). Anyways, as with The Poppy War series, I waited wayyyy too long between the first and second books (I had to find more than one summary/review, outside of my own, to read and recap so I remembered enough of the characters and details to feel ready to continue). But, silver lining (in both cases actually), the third and final book has also been published now, so I can jump right to it! And let me tell you, I plan to do just that. 
 
While the novel starts with a short intro that gives some small insight into the immediate aftermath of the events of book one (Nahri's marriage, Dara's death, Ali's banishment), it jumps very quickly to "five years later." Nahri is doing her best to survive her life at court, basically confined to her healing rooms both physically and in action/attention, without any of the allies that made her first days in court bearable, trapped and powerless within the city and palace that are hers by right. Ali managed to survive a brutal introduction to the arid lands of his ancestors, as well as a slew of assassins, and has made a sort of life for himself, leaning into (while keeping very secret) the water-based gifts given to him by the marid. Dara was brought back from the dead (again) by a very unexpected hand, to help train and lead a force (of partially dubious provenance) with the goal of returning Daevabad's riginaly rulers to their rightful place. These three storylines unfold simultaneously, and slowly in convergence, against a complex political/religious/personal backdrop, coming to a head with violent consequences as a once-per-century djinn celebration kicks off. 
 
Well, if I finished the first book thinking that Chakraborty was a star with world-building, I am finishing this second book convinced that very few are as good as she is. The setting is so alive. Daevabad itself remains as vivid and gilded as before, but with 600 more pages of layered history, descriptions, and interactions of the peoples. Plus, we get additional "outside the city" perspectives and growth more here as well, with Ali's time in Am Gezira and his mother's home (Ta Ntry) and tribe (the Ayaanle). As a major part of this spectacular world-building, I must mention the complex and detailed political (and religious, though mostly in overlap) maneuvering/machinations/plotting/scheming. There is so much “trading decency for a throne” …or power in these pages. You can, quite simply, lose yourself in it. But like, in the best way. With this comes some very deep familial cruelty and misguided loyalty that is heartbreaking to read at times. We always hurt the ones we love the most, when threatened. And so many times here, acting to protect someone you love, especially by withholding truth/information, ends up doing more harm than good. Thematically tough, but so real. Overall, just some of the most lush world-building I've ever read. 
 
Character-wise, I have only similar praise to give. Nahri, Ali and Dara all benefit greatly, in terms of depth, throughout this novel. And I remain very into the way they subvert what the normal love triangle looks like. There is additional attention paid to side characters, originals like Muntadhir and Zaynad and Hatset and Jamshid and Kaveh, but also some newly introduced ones like Aqisa, the ifrit, some shafit, and a few others that I won't necessarily name, in order to avoid spoilers. I loved it all. And I have to say, I was least into Nahri's development, honestly. I wanted her to be...more. But I guess I understand her constraints, she did stay consistent with her goal of saving lives (any lives), and she did have a few breakout moments towards the end, so I am hoping that the final book does her arc a little more justice.  
 
As far as the plot is concerned, I almost have to say that, at least for the first like two thirds of the novel, there wasn't one. Now, don't get me wrong, I was deeply invested in the development of place and character, and the build-up of it all, because I knew something was coming. There was a deep feeling of unrest, almost anticipatory uneasiness, both in the story/characters and within myself as a reader. And I loved the way that feeling escalated as we got closer and closer to what I just knew was impending doom. However, outside that feeling, very little actually happened...so I would caution you to be sure that's the type of book you are in the mood for, before picking this one up. However, of note, when the action began, with about a quarter of the book left (ish), things got real. The pacing, with perspectives jumping from Dara to Ali to Nahri with perfect timing, was phenomenal. Edge of one's seat type reading. Worth the wait in the build-up for sure. And with the cliffs that each of our main characters end on (plus, some additional "characters to watch," including both of Ali's siblings, Zaynab and Muntadhir, as well as Jamshid and Aqisa), I am quite ready to pick up the final installation, and watch the ending unfold, as soon as possible.  
 
Chakraborty puts a deep focus on uncovering/unveiling the truth of history and the stories that are now accepted as truth, despite what the reality actually was, for reasons of maintaining power or avoiding guilt. She really demonstrates how only with the correct information can current consequences of violent/unfair history be rectified. Because after generations and centuries of curses and revenges and betrayals and death, how else (better than the endless examples of how those who are oppressed and given no other option/recourse will rise up with violence, without mercy) can people(s) overcome a legacy like that? (Ummmm, sound familiar to present day much? I think big yes.) 
 
With captivating storytelling, intricate political and locational detail, discerning character development, and well-paced (when it arrives) action, Chakraborty transports the reader on a fantastic Middle Eastern history and culture inspired journey. It's a mythical, magical and entirely absorbing adventure. I cannot wait to see how it ends! 
 
“People do not thrive under tyrants, Alizayd; they do not come up with innovations when they're busy trying to stay alive, or offer creative ideas when error is punished…” 
 
“You don’t need to be a weapon to be an asset.”   
 
“I’m tired of everyone in this city feeding on vengeance. I'm tired of teaching our children to hate and fear other children because their parents are our enemies. And I'm sick and tired of acting like the only way to save our people is to cut down all who might oppose us, as if our enemies won't return the favor the instant power shifts.” (Basically, sums up all of Ali/Dara/Nahri's vibes in this book.) 
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