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

adventurous challenging dark informative inspiring slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

An academically well-written work that introduces the reader to a brilliantly crafted concept of magic, but transforms to a heavy-handed social commentary of inequality, capitalism, and colonialism. 

The pacing is slow, and the general plot-devices are largely predictable. 

The characters are well-written and the commentary is poignant and relevant. But the concepts of the latter portion are nothing new or remarkable to a reader with the aptitude to make it to that hill. 

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