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alexandra_gc 's review for:
The Dragon Republic
by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am very conflicted about this series. It was incredibly readable, fascinating and well written. And I loathed just about every character. Especially the main character. Which normally would make me put the book down. But this series has been the exception to that rule. I wanted to see what would happen, even as I fumed and raged at the idiocy of nearly everyone in the book. The saving grace for me is Kitay. And the plot really sucks you in. It is deeply disturbing though and doesn't shy away from the extreme violence of revolution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Rape, Xenophobia, War
Moderate: Violence, Medical trauma
This series doesn't shy away from the gruesomeness of source inspiration - I assume Mao's cultural revolution, rape of Nanking etc. Less deftly written it would be impossible to read without feeling quite revolted. It is really well written with a gripping plot, so the violence and the horror of war and war crimes does have purpose and is not just gratuitous.