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The Poppy War #2
The Dragon Republic
Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Fantasy (2019)Rin¡¯s story continues in this acclaimed sequel to The Poppy War¡ªan epic fantasy combining the history of twentieth-century China with a gripping world of gods and monsters.
The war is over.
The war has just begun.
Three times throughout its history, Nikan has fought for its survival in the bloody Poppy Wars. Though the third battle has just ended, shaman and warrior Rin cannot forget the atrocity she committed to save her people. Now she is on the run from her guilt, the opium addiction that holds her like a vice, and the murderous commands of the fiery Phoenix¡ªthe vengeful god who has blessed Rin with her fearsome power.
Though she does not want to live, she refuses to die until she avenges the traitorous Empress who betrayed Rin¡¯s homeland to its enemies. Her only hope is to join forces with the powerful Dragon Warlord, who plots to conquer Nikan, unseat the Empress, and create a new republic.
But neither the Empress nor the Dragon Warlord are what they seem. The more Rin witnesses, the more she fears her love for Nikan will force her to use the Phoenix¡¯s deadly power once more.
Because there is nothing Rin won¡¯t sacrifice to save her country . . . and exact her vengeance.
The war is over.
The war has just begun.
Three times throughout its history, Nikan has fought for its survival in the bloody Poppy Wars. Though the third battle has just ended, shaman and warrior Rin cannot forget the atrocity she committed to save her people. Now she is on the run from her guilt, the opium addiction that holds her like a vice, and the murderous commands of the fiery Phoenix¡ªthe vengeful god who has blessed Rin with her fearsome power.
Though she does not want to live, she refuses to die until she avenges the traitorous Empress who betrayed Rin¡¯s homeland to its enemies. Her only hope is to join forces with the powerful Dragon Warlord, who plots to conquer Nikan, unseat the Empress, and create a new republic.
But neither the Empress nor the Dragon Warlord are what they seem. The more Rin witnesses, the more she fears her love for Nikan will force her to use the Phoenix¡¯s deadly power once more.
Because there is nothing Rin won¡¯t sacrifice to save her country . . . and exact her vengeance.
658 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2019
192k people want to read
About the author
R.F. Kuang
20?books73.2k?followersRebecca F. Kuang is a Marshall Scholar, translator, and award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Poppy War trilogy and Babel: An Arcane History, among others. She has an MPhil in Chinese Studies from Cambridge and an MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies from Oxford; she is now pursuing a PhD in East Asian Languages and Literatures at Yale.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 27,973 reviews
August 18, 2022
Since The Poppy War spiraled down into tight claustrophobic tragedy, I¡¯ve been waiting, like an ember for air, to read this book and see how things will play out after. Suffice it to say, it was like bracing yourself for a punch to the throat only to get struck in the kidney instead.
In order to talk about this book, I need to spoil The Poppy War, so for those (un?)lucky folks who have not yet been initiated into this series, please avert your eyes. But do so knowing that there¡¯s never a bad time to get started.
**
Atlan is gone, and Rin is set on revenge.
Besieged by nightmares whenever she closes her eyes, and with the illicit opium she uses to silence the apocalypse thing that lives inside her still shuddering through her veins, Rin is out of her depths. But when the Dragon Warlord, Yin Vaisra, appears to her out of nowhere with a bewitching offer to free their people from this last vestige of their long torment¡ªto crack the uncrackable empire, and capture Su Daji, the gold yolk within¡ªRin's dream of revenge ignites, and she agrees to joins Vaisra's army. Reality soon dawns, however: this is but the opening gambit of a longer game and they were all clutching straws against death and time. The grudges of gods are as deathless as their flesh, and men with everything at stake are dangerous. Is revenge worth the price Rin might have to pay for it? How long will Rin continue to sacrifice the hopes of the living for the comforts of the dead?
**
The Dragon Republic is underniably fireworks display from an enormously talented writer. Kuang proved herself capable of orchestrating walloping storylines in The Poppy War, but?The Dragon Republic?is even a bigger display of her talents. The author digs with dark glee into?this sequel, and from page one, she doesn¡¯t let up. The result is a sprawling and constantly engaging novel that twists history, geography, mythology, and fantasy into an epic tale that paints an unforgettable portrait of just how fragmented our own realities can be during periods of fear, unrest, and inequality, and an aching reminder that retaking what has been lost isn't always the answer.
Kuang succeeds admirably on all fronts. The action is ferocious, bloody, and unquittable. The violence is rendered extremely well, its physical and psychological effects convincing and lasting. The monsters of this novel are eerily familiar: the series, after all, contains a bright shard of China's living past, the writhing loathsomeness of humanity's crimes against itself, on full display. But for its all bloodcurdling, heart-lurching spectacle, The Dragon Republic isn¡¯t all grim: the author knows exactly when to dole out the humor, giving both the reader and protagonists room to catch their breath, away from the horror of everything else. The ending, too, is an absolute knock-out. Kuang is *so good* at concluding on just the right note. Like a thunderstroke, The Dragon Republic's conclusion is electric, sizzling, and minutely delivered, and I felt its rattle for days after turning the last page.
But even more than all of that, for me the novel's driving force was its rich cast of characters¡ªdriven by passion, desire, and terrifying flaws, they are rendered as fully realized as ever. In many senses, The Poppy War and The Dragon Republic are stories of two very different protagonists: the first is young, dauntless and full of hope, and the second is the person she becomes in the aftermath of tragedy. The epigenetic legacy of war, Rin grew up with a blade in her heart. The first book is a bitter tale of how that war began, how it went back before her, how she inherited it with all else that she inherited. Rage and grief, guilt and shame: these were emotions Rin knows too well. Forgiveness, or even love, those are foreign countries to her, and her (ongoing) journey of learning them is nothing short of heartbreaking.
That's not the only thing Rin learns in this sequel. It's impossible to talk about this book without lingering on Rin's complicated relationship to Altan. In The Dragon Republic, memories of Altan stack layer upon layer in Rin's mind until they reach their horrible, inevitable conclusion: that Rin had long snatched hungrily at Altan¡¯s words and loved him with her terrified eyes, thought him perfect and refused to see that ¡°Altan was no hero,¡± that he was selfish and remote and often cruel. In Altan's gaping absence, Rin must come face to face not only with who he was, but who she is, what¡¯s she¡¯s done, and decide what kind of person she wants to be. She might not be able to undo the damage her power has already wrought on the world, but perhaps she can seal the wound, stop the bleeding. But when the price is to expunge Altan entirely from her mind ("That boy is a disease on your mind. Forget him.") and let his memory fade away, the thought is too excruciating to bear. I hope Kuang has planned several intensive therapy sessions for Rin at the end of all of this. Because hoo boy.
That said, The Dragon Republic¡¯s depth of character doesn¡¯t just begin and end with Rin. There are characters who now have more complex narratives, and others who fade to the back, to make room for the new. °¾±³Ù²¹²â¡¯²õ arc, in particular, still claws at me. He is no longer the lighthearted kid from the first book¡ªsoft, naive, undamaged¡ªbut a tempered, burdened and hardened version of himself. I hadn¡¯t really thought of Kitay before I started reading this book, but by his second reappearance in the novel, I had already drawn the adoption papers, ready to go full on Mother Hulk on anyone who dares lay a finger on him. I really hope he survives the next book.
All in all, The Dragon Republic is a sizzling sequel, and I'm already looking forward to the next installment (with a large sense of gloom and anxiety but still!).
In order to talk about this book, I need to spoil The Poppy War, so for those (un?)lucky folks who have not yet been initiated into this series, please avert your eyes. But do so knowing that there¡¯s never a bad time to get started.
**
Atlan is gone, and Rin is set on revenge.
Besieged by nightmares whenever she closes her eyes, and with the illicit opium she uses to silence the apocalypse thing that lives inside her still shuddering through her veins, Rin is out of her depths. But when the Dragon Warlord, Yin Vaisra, appears to her out of nowhere with a bewitching offer to free their people from this last vestige of their long torment¡ªto crack the uncrackable empire, and capture Su Daji, the gold yolk within¡ªRin's dream of revenge ignites, and she agrees to joins Vaisra's army. Reality soon dawns, however: this is but the opening gambit of a longer game and they were all clutching straws against death and time. The grudges of gods are as deathless as their flesh, and men with everything at stake are dangerous. Is revenge worth the price Rin might have to pay for it? How long will Rin continue to sacrifice the hopes of the living for the comforts of the dead?
**
The Dragon Republic is underniably fireworks display from an enormously talented writer. Kuang proved herself capable of orchestrating walloping storylines in The Poppy War, but?The Dragon Republic?is even a bigger display of her talents. The author digs with dark glee into?this sequel, and from page one, she doesn¡¯t let up. The result is a sprawling and constantly engaging novel that twists history, geography, mythology, and fantasy into an epic tale that paints an unforgettable portrait of just how fragmented our own realities can be during periods of fear, unrest, and inequality, and an aching reminder that retaking what has been lost isn't always the answer.
Kuang succeeds admirably on all fronts. The action is ferocious, bloody, and unquittable. The violence is rendered extremely well, its physical and psychological effects convincing and lasting. The monsters of this novel are eerily familiar: the series, after all, contains a bright shard of China's living past, the writhing loathsomeness of humanity's crimes against itself, on full display. But for its all bloodcurdling, heart-lurching spectacle, The Dragon Republic isn¡¯t all grim: the author knows exactly when to dole out the humor, giving both the reader and protagonists room to catch their breath, away from the horror of everything else. The ending, too, is an absolute knock-out. Kuang is *so good* at concluding on just the right note. Like a thunderstroke, The Dragon Republic's conclusion is electric, sizzling, and minutely delivered, and I felt its rattle for days after turning the last page.
But even more than all of that, for me the novel's driving force was its rich cast of characters¡ªdriven by passion, desire, and terrifying flaws, they are rendered as fully realized as ever. In many senses, The Poppy War and The Dragon Republic are stories of two very different protagonists: the first is young, dauntless and full of hope, and the second is the person she becomes in the aftermath of tragedy. The epigenetic legacy of war, Rin grew up with a blade in her heart. The first book is a bitter tale of how that war began, how it went back before her, how she inherited it with all else that she inherited. Rage and grief, guilt and shame: these were emotions Rin knows too well. Forgiveness, or even love, those are foreign countries to her, and her (ongoing) journey of learning them is nothing short of heartbreaking.
That's not the only thing Rin learns in this sequel. It's impossible to talk about this book without lingering on Rin's complicated relationship to Altan. In The Dragon Republic, memories of Altan stack layer upon layer in Rin's mind until they reach their horrible, inevitable conclusion: that Rin had long snatched hungrily at Altan¡¯s words and loved him with her terrified eyes, thought him perfect and refused to see that ¡°Altan was no hero,¡± that he was selfish and remote and often cruel. In Altan's gaping absence, Rin must come face to face not only with who he was, but who she is, what¡¯s she¡¯s done, and decide what kind of person she wants to be. She might not be able to undo the damage her power has already wrought on the world, but perhaps she can seal the wound, stop the bleeding. But when the price is to expunge Altan entirely from her mind ("That boy is a disease on your mind. Forget him.") and let his memory fade away, the thought is too excruciating to bear. I hope Kuang has planned several intensive therapy sessions for Rin at the end of all of this. Because hoo boy.
That said, The Dragon Republic¡¯s depth of character doesn¡¯t just begin and end with Rin. There are characters who now have more complex narratives, and others who fade to the back, to make room for the new. °¾±³Ù²¹²â¡¯²õ arc, in particular, still claws at me. He is no longer the lighthearted kid from the first book¡ªsoft, naive, undamaged¡ªbut a tempered, burdened and hardened version of himself. I hadn¡¯t really thought of Kitay before I started reading this book, but by his second reappearance in the novel, I had already drawn the adoption papers, ready to go full on Mother Hulk on anyone who dares lay a finger on him. I really hope he survives the next book.
All in all, The Dragon Republic is a sizzling sequel, and I'm already looking forward to the next installment (with a large sense of gloom and anxiety but still!).
August 3, 2019
WTF...
I was nervous going into this book that it wouldn't be as great as the first one but here we are...
Love the world, love the magic system, love the characters' development and where the story is going. I really liked how the world keeps getting bigger and more complex.
I can't wait to see what the last book will bring!
I was nervous going into this book that it wouldn't be as great as the first one but here we are...
Love the world, love the magic system, love the characters' development and where the story is going. I really liked how the world keeps getting bigger and more complex.
I can't wait to see what the last book will bring!
October 29, 2018
get ready
June 9, 2023
Gdamit
September 7, 2020
:) :)
fang runin is that bitch
fang runin is that bitch
January 10, 2021
The Dragon Republic is deserving of praise for bringing real-world historical events to light for a fresh demographic of readers, however, by the same token, it lacks originality entirely and is inherently predictable if the reader has even a basic education of Chinese Revolutions. The dialogue is puerile and the vast majority of the cast are not so much grey as morally reprehensible, making empathy for their loss and suffering a rare commodity.
I¡¯m cringing slightly as I write this. 45 people on my friend¡¯s list have read this and 3 have given it a rating below 4. This is by far the most unpopular opinion I¡¯ve had, apart from my ¡®Rhythm of War¡¯ review. So, let me explain myself. You can agree or disagree and we can continue conversing amicably with a slightly salty undertone. This is life, and it¡¯s fine.
My first point is, in and of itself, purely observational and didn¡¯t directly affect my rating. In my opinion, this series is not Fantasy. Fantasy, by definition, is that which comes from ones imagination, whereas this series is based, with some truth, on actual historical events. A more accurate genre designation would be ¡®Historical Fiction¡¯ with mythological elements. In fact, in 1000 years, if every other account of modern Chinese history were lost and this was the only text remaining, this would likely become Mythology. The names of people and places would all be wrong and the mystical shamanic powers would be a stretch but the general shape of events, however sparse, would be there.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Let me clarify. Book 1 was inspired, specifically, by the Second Sino-Japanese War and depicted, with gruesome accuracy, the atrocities committed in the Nanking Massacre. In Book 2, Kuang covers phase 1 of the Chinese Civil War. If anyone has more than a Year 12 education in ¡®Chinese Revolutions¡¯ please correct me but this is how I see it.
Rin = Mao Zedong (CPC)
Vaisra = Chiang Kai-Shek (ROC)
First Poppy War = Opium Wars
Hesperia = Europe (mainly Britain)
Nikara = China
Mugen = Japan
Speer = Taiwan
There are infinite connections that can be made but given these main few, we can presume that ¡®The Dragon Republic¡¯ covered the time in which the alliance between the Chinese Communist Party (Rin) and the Government of the Republic of China (Vaisra) collapsed. By the end of this book, we are poised for the commencement of hostilities between the 2 parties which I would assume will result in Rin gaining control of the mainland and Vaisra, or whoever is left of his government, being forced to retreat to the island of Taiwan or killed. If I know anything about Kuang, they¡¯ll be killed.
In addition to this, we have the book¡¯s map which has obvious similarities to the lands bordering the East-China Sea as well as multiple mentions of Sun Tzu¡¯s (Sunzi in Pinyin) ¡®Art of War¡¯ throughout books 1 and 2. The first time I saw this, I thought it a cool tip of the hat but now I¡¯m thinking, there are multiple mentions of a book that exists on earth, in a Fantasy book. This is very unusual. Ultimately, the heavy inspiration drawn from real-life events is a double-edged sword. It can be thrilling connecting people, places and events in Kuang¡¯s world with those of our own, but at the same time, it can drag you out of the intended fantastical setting and expose the story as wholly unoriginal and lacking imagination. It certainly did for me.
Rin, Rin, Mao¡ I mean Rin! I feel like she may just take the cake as the most insufferable, piece of shit protagonist I¡¯ve ever read. I defended her character in the first book, claiming that she was morally grey and largely unlikeable but well written. Well, I can¡¯t stand by that anymore. She is written inconsistently and despite efforts by Kuang to demonstrate or, on occasion, even justify the way she thinks or acts, it is impossible for me to empathise with somebody who is completely apathetic to others. If I wanted to know how Mao Zedong, a man responsible for the deaths of anywhere between 20-50 million people, became the monster that he was, I¡¯d go read a biography. I don¡¯t want him as the main protagonist in a ¡°Fantasy¡± book!
Rin is so many things that you don¡¯t want your protagonist to be. She¡¯s hypocritical, contradictory, apathetic, unintelligent and gullible. Her inner-monologue is a never-ending string of non-sensical idiocy and morally devoid ideology. This is getting a bit long but here¡¯s a few key scenes/quotes that really put me off Rin:
1. When they came across a scene of the wreckage caused by Chaghan and Qara breaching the dam in the river and the two are reflecting on what they¡¯ve done. Rin ¡°gleefully¡± seeks them out and, ¡°[screeching] with laughter¡±, berates them for what they¡¯ve done, thinking ¡°how terribly funny it was that she wasn¡¯t the only one with mass murder on her hands¡± .
2. After just a short while ago claiming she ain¡¯t no one¡¯s dog, damn it! Rin claims, ¡°It felt good¡ to be Vaisra¡¯s weapon and tool¡±. ¡±If she wasn¡¯t making the decisions, then nothing could be her fault.¡±
3. Aratsha¡¯s death: She was disappointed because he was ¡°an immensely useful chess piece and now she couldn¡¯t use him anymore.¡± How are we supposed to care about the already under-developed support cast if Rin doesn¡¯t?!
4. On nearly the 600th page Rin demonstrates that she¡¯s had zero character growth when she is speaking with Daji and thinks to herself, ¡°If she had another chance¡ She would make the same decision¡ She would destroy [Mugen] completely and without mercy¡ And she¡¯d laugh¡±. Ok, so despite supposedly feeling incredible guilt at multiple times throughout the book for committing genocide, we¡¯re gonna settle on, ¡°I¡¯d do it again¡±? Cool, just checking.
5. ¡±War on this scale was a number¡¯s game, and she had lives to spare¡±. I mean that¡¯s just pure Mao coming through.
In addition to these points, Rin is such a coarse character. Trying to have a civilised discussion with her around would be like trying to talk while someone was using an angle grinder just metres away¡ And directing the sparks towards you. Eeeeeverything is fuck you, fuck this, you¡¯re a c*$#, she¡¯s a bitch!.... Settle down mate! Moving on, I am le tired.
So, there it is, those were the two main reasons this book lost a couple of stars for me and they are very subjective so I can still understand how this book is immensely popular. On top of this, I felt that all support characters from the Cike through to Feylen were still under-developed and the final battle was anti-climactic. The 50 or so pages after the battle were, however, pretty good. I¡¯m still looking forward to the last book in the trilogy and my goal will be to try and put aside what I think I already know and just enjoy it for what it is. Ciao
I¡¯m cringing slightly as I write this. 45 people on my friend¡¯s list have read this and 3 have given it a rating below 4. This is by far the most unpopular opinion I¡¯ve had, apart from my ¡®Rhythm of War¡¯ review. So, let me explain myself. You can agree or disagree and we can continue conversing amicably with a slightly salty undertone. This is life, and it¡¯s fine.
My first point is, in and of itself, purely observational and didn¡¯t directly affect my rating. In my opinion, this series is not Fantasy. Fantasy, by definition, is that which comes from ones imagination, whereas this series is based, with some truth, on actual historical events. A more accurate genre designation would be ¡®Historical Fiction¡¯ with mythological elements. In fact, in 1000 years, if every other account of modern Chinese history were lost and this was the only text remaining, this would likely become Mythology. The names of people and places would all be wrong and the mystical shamanic powers would be a stretch but the general shape of events, however sparse, would be there.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Let me clarify. Book 1 was inspired, specifically, by the Second Sino-Japanese War and depicted, with gruesome accuracy, the atrocities committed in the Nanking Massacre. In Book 2, Kuang covers phase 1 of the Chinese Civil War. If anyone has more than a Year 12 education in ¡®Chinese Revolutions¡¯ please correct me but this is how I see it.
Rin = Mao Zedong (CPC)
Vaisra = Chiang Kai-Shek (ROC)
First Poppy War = Opium Wars
Hesperia = Europe (mainly Britain)
Nikara = China
Mugen = Japan
Speer = Taiwan
There are infinite connections that can be made but given these main few, we can presume that ¡®The Dragon Republic¡¯ covered the time in which the alliance between the Chinese Communist Party (Rin) and the Government of the Republic of China (Vaisra) collapsed. By the end of this book, we are poised for the commencement of hostilities between the 2 parties which I would assume will result in Rin gaining control of the mainland and Vaisra, or whoever is left of his government, being forced to retreat to the island of Taiwan or killed. If I know anything about Kuang, they¡¯ll be killed.
In addition to this, we have the book¡¯s map which has obvious similarities to the lands bordering the East-China Sea as well as multiple mentions of Sun Tzu¡¯s (Sunzi in Pinyin) ¡®Art of War¡¯ throughout books 1 and 2. The first time I saw this, I thought it a cool tip of the hat but now I¡¯m thinking, there are multiple mentions of a book that exists on earth, in a Fantasy book. This is very unusual. Ultimately, the heavy inspiration drawn from real-life events is a double-edged sword. It can be thrilling connecting people, places and events in Kuang¡¯s world with those of our own, but at the same time, it can drag you out of the intended fantastical setting and expose the story as wholly unoriginal and lacking imagination. It certainly did for me.
Rin, Rin, Mao¡ I mean Rin! I feel like she may just take the cake as the most insufferable, piece of shit protagonist I¡¯ve ever read. I defended her character in the first book, claiming that she was morally grey and largely unlikeable but well written. Well, I can¡¯t stand by that anymore. She is written inconsistently and despite efforts by Kuang to demonstrate or, on occasion, even justify the way she thinks or acts, it is impossible for me to empathise with somebody who is completely apathetic to others. If I wanted to know how Mao Zedong, a man responsible for the deaths of anywhere between 20-50 million people, became the monster that he was, I¡¯d go read a biography. I don¡¯t want him as the main protagonist in a ¡°Fantasy¡± book!
Rin is so many things that you don¡¯t want your protagonist to be. She¡¯s hypocritical, contradictory, apathetic, unintelligent and gullible. Her inner-monologue is a never-ending string of non-sensical idiocy and morally devoid ideology. This is getting a bit long but here¡¯s a few key scenes/quotes that really put me off Rin:
1. When they came across a scene of the wreckage caused by Chaghan and Qara breaching the dam in the river and the two are reflecting on what they¡¯ve done. Rin ¡°gleefully¡± seeks them out and, ¡°[screeching] with laughter¡±, berates them for what they¡¯ve done, thinking ¡°how terribly funny it was that she wasn¡¯t the only one with mass murder on her hands¡± .
2. After just a short while ago claiming she ain¡¯t no one¡¯s dog, damn it! Rin claims, ¡°It felt good¡ to be Vaisra¡¯s weapon and tool¡±. ¡±If she wasn¡¯t making the decisions, then nothing could be her fault.¡±
3. Aratsha¡¯s death: She was disappointed because he was ¡°an immensely useful chess piece and now she couldn¡¯t use him anymore.¡± How are we supposed to care about the already under-developed support cast if Rin doesn¡¯t?!
4. On nearly the 600th page Rin demonstrates that she¡¯s had zero character growth when she is speaking with Daji and thinks to herself, ¡°If she had another chance¡ She would make the same decision¡ She would destroy [Mugen] completely and without mercy¡ And she¡¯d laugh¡±. Ok, so despite supposedly feeling incredible guilt at multiple times throughout the book for committing genocide, we¡¯re gonna settle on, ¡°I¡¯d do it again¡±? Cool, just checking.
5. ¡±War on this scale was a number¡¯s game, and she had lives to spare¡±. I mean that¡¯s just pure Mao coming through.
In addition to these points, Rin is such a coarse character. Trying to have a civilised discussion with her around would be like trying to talk while someone was using an angle grinder just metres away¡ And directing the sparks towards you. Eeeeeverything is fuck you, fuck this, you¡¯re a c*$#, she¡¯s a bitch!.... Settle down mate! Moving on, I am le tired.
So, there it is, those were the two main reasons this book lost a couple of stars for me and they are very subjective so I can still understand how this book is immensely popular. On top of this, I felt that all support characters from the Cike through to Feylen were still under-developed and the final battle was anti-climactic. The 50 or so pages after the battle were, however, pretty good. I¡¯m still looking forward to the last book in the trilogy and my goal will be to try and put aside what I think I already know and just enjoy it for what it is. Ciao
October 25, 2020
To jest niemo?liwe, jak autorka fantastycznie potrafi tworzy? histori?. Tak zaskakuj?ca, szokuj?ca, totalnie oryginalna. Nie mo?na si? oderwa?. Mo?e i nie jest to ksi??ka idealna ale wybaczam jej absolutnie wszystko, bo to jakie wywo?uje we mnie emocje i ekscytacj? jest nie do por¨®wnania z niczym. Powa?niejsza i doro?lejsza ni? pierwszy tom, nieco inna w tonie ale to mi si? chyba podoba?o jeszcze bardziej. Du?o polityki i strategii, walk i wspaniale wykreowanych bohater¨®w. Czego chcie? wi?cej? ?
January 4, 2025
I¡¯m a shell of a human. 6 stars. I want to roll over and pass away from the pain of it all. But I also want the pain to fester and eat me alive until I know nothing else other than this book.
Again just like with The Poppy War I truly don¡¯t know how to form the correct words to describe just how phenomenal this book was. It¡¯s nearly impossible for me to articulate my feelings about a story that has single handedly changed my brain chemistry and altered the course of my life. I feel so much and it HURTS, but I¡¯m also numb?
This trilogy as a whole is dark and gruesome and raw and includes real life events that happened during the Sino Japanese war. It is brutal and violent and horrifying yet so eye opening and wonderfully crafted into a heartbreakingly tragic story that makes you question EVERYTHING.
RF Kuang is truly a genius, her writing has captivated me and pulled me in to a trance I never want to escape.
While going on this journey she has also introduced you to this cast of unique, complex, flawed, truly morally grey characters that you cannot help but form an emotional attachment to. The found family in this one made it so much more painful yet also beautiful at the same time?
No there is no romance in this trilogy, but there is no lack of love between some of our characters. And their love is my pain at this point. Kitay and Rin are platonic soulmates and nobody can tell me otherwise. Rin and Nezha might actually be my undoing. They will haunt my dreams until the end of time. You don¡¯t know pain until you read about the tiniest small crumb of a potential romantic relationship between two characters that should have been but never will be because they were destined for tragedy from the start. All I will do is wonder ¡°what if¡± about them for the rest of eternity.
Fang Runin. It¡¯s official, no FMC will ever compare. I will defend her with my dying breath at this point. She is a main character that will have you equal parts wanting to rip your hair out and scream at her but also earning your unrelenting support every step of the way even when she makes decisions that make you questioning whether or not she¡¯s the villain. I support women¡¯s rights and women¡¯s wrongs. She is filled with so much rage and anger and driven by this need for power and control and she never falters. Her story is heartbreaking, she has lived a life of oppression, abuse, manipulation, neglect, and gets thrust into a war as a teenager where she is used as a weapon by men and constantly betrayed by the people she loves. BURN IT ALL DOWN RIN YOU HAVE MY PERMISSION!!! I will stand for no Rin slander. Her growth in this book was phenomenal and I¡¯m honestly horrified for her (and everyone) in the next book.
What I especially love about these characters is how they are all so ruthless and monstrous on the surface (not you kitay my sweet baby angel), yet deep down they are just kids thirsty for love and affection and suffering from years of pain.
Nezha. Don¡¯t even start with me. I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU ALWAYS!!! His story has me in absolutely shambles but WHY?!!!!!!!! Like I get it but why????!!!!! I fear I still am unfortunately absolutely in love with him. This man literally had a nightmare she died and ran to her a sobbing shaking mess. Stop.
That ending. Straight to jail. I¡¯m beyond unwell. Nothing is okay and it¡¯s only gonna get worse.
Quotes that stole my soul:
¡°You asked how large my sorrow is, and I answered, like a river in spring flowing east.¡±
¡°People will seek to use you or destroy you. If you want to live, you must pick a side. So do not shirk from war, child. Do not flinch from suffering. When you hear screaming, run toward it.¡±
¡°But there was far less retributive pleasure in watching corpses burn compared to hearing men scream¡±
¡°It¡¯s not about who you are, it¡¯s about how they see you. And once you¡¯re mud in this country, you¡¯re always mud.¡±
¡°But eventually, you¡¯ll have to ask yourself precisely what you¡¯re fighting for. And you¡¯ll have to find a reason to live past vengeance.¡±
¡°Rage and grief were so different. Rage gave her the power to burn down countries. Grief only exhausted her.¡±
¡°He made her either furious or deliriously happy. The one thing he did not make her feel was secure. With him there was no neutrality, no in between. She loved him or she hated him, but she didn¡¯t know how to do both.¡±
¡°Fire and water looked so lovely together. It was a pity they destroyed each other by nature.¡±
¡°He laughed in delight, holding his bombs over his head.¡±
Again just like with The Poppy War I truly don¡¯t know how to form the correct words to describe just how phenomenal this book was. It¡¯s nearly impossible for me to articulate my feelings about a story that has single handedly changed my brain chemistry and altered the course of my life. I feel so much and it HURTS, but I¡¯m also numb?
This trilogy as a whole is dark and gruesome and raw and includes real life events that happened during the Sino Japanese war. It is brutal and violent and horrifying yet so eye opening and wonderfully crafted into a heartbreakingly tragic story that makes you question EVERYTHING.
RF Kuang is truly a genius, her writing has captivated me and pulled me in to a trance I never want to escape.
While going on this journey she has also introduced you to this cast of unique, complex, flawed, truly morally grey characters that you cannot help but form an emotional attachment to. The found family in this one made it so much more painful yet also beautiful at the same time?
No there is no romance in this trilogy, but there is no lack of love between some of our characters. And their love is my pain at this point. Kitay and Rin are platonic soulmates and nobody can tell me otherwise. Rin and Nezha might actually be my undoing. They will haunt my dreams until the end of time. You don¡¯t know pain until you read about the tiniest small crumb of a potential romantic relationship between two characters that should have been but never will be because they were destined for tragedy from the start. All I will do is wonder ¡°what if¡± about them for the rest of eternity.
Fang Runin. It¡¯s official, no FMC will ever compare. I will defend her with my dying breath at this point. She is a main character that will have you equal parts wanting to rip your hair out and scream at her but also earning your unrelenting support every step of the way even when she makes decisions that make you questioning whether or not she¡¯s the villain. I support women¡¯s rights and women¡¯s wrongs. She is filled with so much rage and anger and driven by this need for power and control and she never falters. Her story is heartbreaking, she has lived a life of oppression, abuse, manipulation, neglect, and gets thrust into a war as a teenager where she is used as a weapon by men and constantly betrayed by the people she loves. BURN IT ALL DOWN RIN YOU HAVE MY PERMISSION!!! I will stand for no Rin slander. Her growth in this book was phenomenal and I¡¯m honestly horrified for her (and everyone) in the next book.
What I especially love about these characters is how they are all so ruthless and monstrous on the surface (not you kitay my sweet baby angel), yet deep down they are just kids thirsty for love and affection and suffering from years of pain.
Nezha. Don¡¯t even start with me. I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU ALWAYS!!! His story has me in absolutely shambles but WHY?!!!!!!!! Like I get it but why????!!!!! I fear I still am unfortunately absolutely in love with him. This man literally had a nightmare she died and ran to her a sobbing shaking mess. Stop.
That ending. Straight to jail. I¡¯m beyond unwell. Nothing is okay and it¡¯s only gonna get worse.
Quotes that stole my soul:
¡°You asked how large my sorrow is, and I answered, like a river in spring flowing east.¡±
¡°People will seek to use you or destroy you. If you want to live, you must pick a side. So do not shirk from war, child. Do not flinch from suffering. When you hear screaming, run toward it.¡±
¡°But there was far less retributive pleasure in watching corpses burn compared to hearing men scream¡±
¡°It¡¯s not about who you are, it¡¯s about how they see you. And once you¡¯re mud in this country, you¡¯re always mud.¡±
¡°But eventually, you¡¯ll have to ask yourself precisely what you¡¯re fighting for. And you¡¯ll have to find a reason to live past vengeance.¡±
¡°Rage and grief were so different. Rage gave her the power to burn down countries. Grief only exhausted her.¡±
¡°He made her either furious or deliriously happy. The one thing he did not make her feel was secure. With him there was no neutrality, no in between. She loved him or she hated him, but she didn¡¯t know how to do both.¡±
¡°Fire and water looked so lovely together. It was a pity they destroyed each other by nature.¡±
¡°He laughed in delight, holding his bombs over his head.¡±
September 19, 2020
ARC provided by the publisher¡ªHarper Voyager¡ªin exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars
The newest rising queen of fantasy is back with her newest book, The Dragon Republic, and it managed to live up to my super high expectations.
Can we first appreciate just how damn gorgeous the cover of this book is? JungShan has created another spectacular cover-selling ink illustration and I¡¯m confident that many readers will pick up the book/series even if they don¡¯t know anything about it. The same situation as its predecessor, the quality of the content of the book did justice to the beautiful cover art and vice versa. I¡¯m pretty sure practically everyone who knows me on bookish social media knows how much I loved The Poppy War. I even created a Twitter account just to wish the author a congratulatory message on her debut¡¯s publication day. If you don¡¯t know/remember, here¡¯s a short snippet of what I said about the first book:
¡°I have no doubt this will end up being the best fantasy debut of the year¡ a book that will go down as one of the best grimdark/military fantasy debuts of all time. [...] I have absolutely no doubt that [Kuang¡¯s] name will be up there with the likes of Robin Hobb and N.K. Jemisin.¡±
Yeah¡ suffice to say that I highly loved the first book. Since then, The Poppy War has also garnered well-deserved praises, nominations, and awards; my high expectations towards its sequel were inevitable and I¡¯m glad to say that after reading this book, my worry was unfounded and Kuang entranced me once again with her newest installment.
No story summary from me; if you want to know the plot, read the official synopsis of the book at your own risk. Following the catastrophic conclusion of the first book, The Dragon Republic plunges Rin and her companions into a brand new war. In the first installment, Kuang divided her storytelling clearly into two sections; a coming-of-age battle school fantasy for the first half and a grim military fantasy for the second half. Unlike other series like The Kingkiller Chronicle or Harry Potter, where the characters continue training in schools, The Dragon Republic threw away the battle school concept completely, turning the book completely into a cleverly crafted military fantasy. Full of darkness, tactics, shifting allegiances, war and death, Kuang continues her trademark of delivering a superb story that vividly explores the horrors of war. I loved Kuang¡¯s prose in the first book, which is why I found it to be incredibly satisfying to read her stunning improvement in prose within this novel. This is a significantly bigger book than The Poppy War, it¡¯s almost 700 pages long and yet there wasn¡¯t any moment that felt boring or dull. The engaging narrative and prose captivated me thoroughly from cover to cover; the second half in particular¡ªespecially the last 20%, more on this later¡ªwas simply amazing and pulse-pounding. War changes everyone indiscriminately; no one came out of it unscathed mentally or physically. The escalating and harrowing effects or aftermath of war were shown expertly through the well-developed characterizations.
As with its predecessor, the narrative was told exclusively through Rin¡¯s perspective. The events of the first book have left Rin riddled with guilt, regret, and anger. To say that Rin is angry is seriously putting it mildly. She¡¯s angry at the world, at herself, at her friends, at everything. War has changed her and her companions, and yet they still can¡¯t catch a break; peace remains firmly lodged out of grasp and unforgettable loss continues to happen. This is a grim book, written with more mature and refined prose; the character¡¯s darkness and personality elicited emotional responses of all kinds from me. I mentioned in my review of the first book that that Rin is one of my favorite heroines in fantasy because I found her to be very well-written and her personality traits were really clear. That being said, something you have to know is that Rin is inspired by Mao Zedong, Rin does make questionable decisions. She has no impulse control, and she does a lot of stupid things because of her anger and what happened to her. In her path toward overcoming legacy, opium addiction, and accepting her power, Kuang deconstructs Rin¡¯s character completely down to her core, presenting her at her worst for almost the entirety of the first half. I¡¯ll admit that in the first half, there were moments where I wanted to slap her several times, and in my honest opinion, this period of time could¡¯ve been shortened a bit. However, seeing her at her worst did make her the fruition of her character development in the second half stronger. This situation reminded me of Blood of Assassins by R.J. Barker, another book I really loved which involved the main character being driven heavily by darkness and rage, but came out all the better once the character was able to overcome it. I highly praise Kuang for her characterization for Rin and the side characters. Most of the side characters helped immensely in bringing moments of heartwarming and light to balance Rin¡¯s life; their interactions were charming, compelling, and I loved reading about them.
The world-building has also moved further beyond Nikara and the Mugenese federation. The new race, Hesperian, came into play here. Hesperian is a race of Westerners, most likely an allusion Germany during World War II, and their arrival brought technologies, arquebuses, airships, and more expansion to the world-building. Not only was the world-building expanded, but Kuang also provided revelations and more in-depth lore to the history of her world.
One last thing before I close this review: I would like to applaud Kuang¡¯s imaginative and destructive depiction of the magical battle scenes. The action sequences were simply magnificent and the last 20% of the book demonstrates Kuang¡¯s best battle scenes and closing sequences so far. It was insanely breathtaking, by showing the power of a vermillion myth and the gods, the clash of the blazing rage and overwhelming cyclone were extremely well-executed. The actions and character¡¯s decisions constantly delivered immense implications for future events of the series. Kuang truly ignited her skill in writing great military fantasy within the last 20% and I honestly can¡¯t wait for more. The gripping naval warfare, brilliant aerial-combat, tension-packed elemental battle, and the unflinching infernal torrent of powers were vividly realized and felt cinematic to read.
I don¡¯t think I have anything else to say without spoiling any events from the series. If you loved The Poppy War, I honestly think that you have nothing to worry about. The Dragon Republic is an unputdownable sequel that deflects the infamous middle book syndrome with brutal precision. With The Dragon Republic, Kuang has proven that her debut wasn't a one-hit wonder, further establishing herself as the new rising queen of fantasy. The architect behind Jade City said: ¡°Brace yourself.¡± Let me just add that you¡¯ll have to find an adamantium building to hold on to. The might and rage of the Phoenix knows no limit, and Rin's newest journey will mercilessly incinerate your heart up to the last page. Rebecca Kuang and this series is truly a treasure for Asian-inspired military fantasy and I simply can't wait to read the conclusion of this trilogy.
Sidenote:
The dark atmosphere in this book was truly palpable, bad things happen, a LOT. Make sure you¡¯re in the right mood and headspace before you read this book. Also, #FireDick happened, literally.
Official release date: August 8th, 2019 (UK) and August 6th, 2019 (US)
You can pre-order the book from: | |
The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find and the rest of my reviews at
4.5/5 stars
The newest rising queen of fantasy is back with her newest book, The Dragon Republic, and it managed to live up to my super high expectations.
Can we first appreciate just how damn gorgeous the cover of this book is? JungShan has created another spectacular cover-selling ink illustration and I¡¯m confident that many readers will pick up the book/series even if they don¡¯t know anything about it. The same situation as its predecessor, the quality of the content of the book did justice to the beautiful cover art and vice versa. I¡¯m pretty sure practically everyone who knows me on bookish social media knows how much I loved The Poppy War. I even created a Twitter account just to wish the author a congratulatory message on her debut¡¯s publication day. If you don¡¯t know/remember, here¡¯s a short snippet of what I said about the first book:
¡°I have no doubt this will end up being the best fantasy debut of the year¡ a book that will go down as one of the best grimdark/military fantasy debuts of all time. [...] I have absolutely no doubt that [Kuang¡¯s] name will be up there with the likes of Robin Hobb and N.K. Jemisin.¡±
Yeah¡ suffice to say that I highly loved the first book. Since then, The Poppy War has also garnered well-deserved praises, nominations, and awards; my high expectations towards its sequel were inevitable and I¡¯m glad to say that after reading this book, my worry was unfounded and Kuang entranced me once again with her newest installment.
No story summary from me; if you want to know the plot, read the official synopsis of the book at your own risk. Following the catastrophic conclusion of the first book, The Dragon Republic plunges Rin and her companions into a brand new war. In the first installment, Kuang divided her storytelling clearly into two sections; a coming-of-age battle school fantasy for the first half and a grim military fantasy for the second half. Unlike other series like The Kingkiller Chronicle or Harry Potter, where the characters continue training in schools, The Dragon Republic threw away the battle school concept completely, turning the book completely into a cleverly crafted military fantasy. Full of darkness, tactics, shifting allegiances, war and death, Kuang continues her trademark of delivering a superb story that vividly explores the horrors of war. I loved Kuang¡¯s prose in the first book, which is why I found it to be incredibly satisfying to read her stunning improvement in prose within this novel. This is a significantly bigger book than The Poppy War, it¡¯s almost 700 pages long and yet there wasn¡¯t any moment that felt boring or dull. The engaging narrative and prose captivated me thoroughly from cover to cover; the second half in particular¡ªespecially the last 20%, more on this later¡ªwas simply amazing and pulse-pounding. War changes everyone indiscriminately; no one came out of it unscathed mentally or physically. The escalating and harrowing effects or aftermath of war were shown expertly through the well-developed characterizations.
¡°You will die thinking I have abandoned you all. But I do not hesitate to say that I value the lives of my people far more than I have ever valued you.¡±
As with its predecessor, the narrative was told exclusively through Rin¡¯s perspective. The events of the first book have left Rin riddled with guilt, regret, and anger. To say that Rin is angry is seriously putting it mildly. She¡¯s angry at the world, at herself, at her friends, at everything. War has changed her and her companions, and yet they still can¡¯t catch a break; peace remains firmly lodged out of grasp and unforgettable loss continues to happen. This is a grim book, written with more mature and refined prose; the character¡¯s darkness and personality elicited emotional responses of all kinds from me. I mentioned in my review of the first book that that Rin is one of my favorite heroines in fantasy because I found her to be very well-written and her personality traits were really clear. That being said, something you have to know is that Rin is inspired by Mao Zedong, Rin does make questionable decisions. She has no impulse control, and she does a lot of stupid things because of her anger and what happened to her. In her path toward overcoming legacy, opium addiction, and accepting her power, Kuang deconstructs Rin¡¯s character completely down to her core, presenting her at her worst for almost the entirety of the first half. I¡¯ll admit that in the first half, there were moments where I wanted to slap her several times, and in my honest opinion, this period of time could¡¯ve been shortened a bit. However, seeing her at her worst did make her the fruition of her character development in the second half stronger. This situation reminded me of Blood of Assassins by R.J. Barker, another book I really loved which involved the main character being driven heavily by darkness and rage, but came out all the better once the character was able to overcome it. I highly praise Kuang for her characterization for Rin and the side characters. Most of the side characters helped immensely in bringing moments of heartwarming and light to balance Rin¡¯s life; their interactions were charming, compelling, and I loved reading about them.
The world-building has also moved further beyond Nikara and the Mugenese federation. The new race, Hesperian, came into play here. Hesperian is a race of Westerners, most likely an allusion Germany during World War II, and their arrival brought technologies, arquebuses, airships, and more expansion to the world-building. Not only was the world-building expanded, but Kuang also provided revelations and more in-depth lore to the history of her world.
One last thing before I close this review: I would like to applaud Kuang¡¯s imaginative and destructive depiction of the magical battle scenes. The action sequences were simply magnificent and the last 20% of the book demonstrates Kuang¡¯s best battle scenes and closing sequences so far. It was insanely breathtaking, by showing the power of a vermillion myth and the gods, the clash of the blazing rage and overwhelming cyclone were extremely well-executed. The actions and character¡¯s decisions constantly delivered immense implications for future events of the series. Kuang truly ignited her skill in writing great military fantasy within the last 20% and I honestly can¡¯t wait for more. The gripping naval warfare, brilliant aerial-combat, tension-packed elemental battle, and the unflinching infernal torrent of powers were vividly realized and felt cinematic to read.
¡°This was what the balance of power looked like now. People like her waved a hand and millions were crushed within the confines of some elemental disaster, flung off the chessboard of the world like irrelevant pieces.¡±
I don¡¯t think I have anything else to say without spoiling any events from the series. If you loved The Poppy War, I honestly think that you have nothing to worry about. The Dragon Republic is an unputdownable sequel that deflects the infamous middle book syndrome with brutal precision. With The Dragon Republic, Kuang has proven that her debut wasn't a one-hit wonder, further establishing herself as the new rising queen of fantasy. The architect behind Jade City said: ¡°Brace yourself.¡± Let me just add that you¡¯ll have to find an adamantium building to hold on to. The might and rage of the Phoenix knows no limit, and Rin's newest journey will mercilessly incinerate your heart up to the last page. Rebecca Kuang and this series is truly a treasure for Asian-inspired military fantasy and I simply can't wait to read the conclusion of this trilogy.
Sidenote:
The dark atmosphere in this book was truly palpable, bad things happen, a LOT. Make sure you¡¯re in the right mood and headspace before you read this book. Also, #FireDick happened, literally.
Official release date: August 8th, 2019 (UK) and August 6th, 2019 (US)
You can pre-order the book from: | |
The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find and the rest of my reviews at
August 25, 2020
UPDATE: $2.99 Kindle US 8/24/20
REVIEW:
DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! That ending! DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!
This will be a short review. I'm not going to spoil anything but you can skim over some of the quotes as you might consider them as a spoiler.
The Dragon Republic starts out with a bang; right out of the gates as I like to say. Rin is messed the hell up! She's fighting Opium addiction and trying to control her power. I had so many moments that I felt for her, so many moments I wanted to strangle her for being so stupid and childish. But most of all, I loved watching her grow in this book. Rin went through some sh?t people. Not just Rin but her whole crew; whom I adored.
Trying to seek revenge on your enemies while fighting an opium addiction seemed damn near impossible and you could feel every moment with Rin. (at least I did) And trying to fight losing control of your powers.
Rin has some wonderful friends but a world that is trying to tear her apart from the inside out.
Rin and her crew are trying to take down the evil Empress but they are getting swindled left and right. They end up with the Dragon Warlord trying to fight against others. People are killed, used, abused. Rin is lied to and watches innocent people die; watches people that she knows die. It seems like nothing is ever going to get better. BUT. There just might be a spark of hope in people she didn't even consider. There are things brewing. Will Rin and her people be able to bring the world down around the evilness. Wait and see.
I think these books are wonderful and the author nailed it in both books so far. For me, there was no second book syndrome. No holds barred, an incredible tale of hate, war and friendship.
***This is an uncorrected proof of the book and any quotes will be changed if they are not correct in the finished copy. I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for a digital copy of this wonderful book for review.***
Mel ?
REVIEW:
DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! That ending! DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!
This will be a short review. I'm not going to spoil anything but you can skim over some of the quotes as you might consider them as a spoiler.
The Dragon Republic starts out with a bang; right out of the gates as I like to say. Rin is messed the hell up! She's fighting Opium addiction and trying to control her power. I had so many moments that I felt for her, so many moments I wanted to strangle her for being so stupid and childish. But most of all, I loved watching her grow in this book. Rin went through some sh?t people. Not just Rin but her whole crew; whom I adored.
Trying to seek revenge on your enemies while fighting an opium addiction seemed damn near impossible and you could feel every moment with Rin. (at least I did) And trying to fight losing control of your powers.
This is what the balance of power looked like now. People like her waved a hand and millions were crushed within the confines of some elemental disaster, flung off the chessboard of the world like irrelevant pieces. People like her-shamans, all of them-were like children stomping around over entire cities as if they were mud castles, glass houses, fungible entities that could be targeted and demolished.
?????
Once upon a time at Sinegard, back when Master Jiang had been trying to help her shut her mind to the Phoenix, he'd taught her techniques to clear her thoughts and disappear into a void that imitated nonexistence. He'd taught her how to think like she was dead.
?????
Suni rubbed circles on her back while she spat blood-speckled phlem on the planks. When she was done, he smoothed her vomit-covered hair out of her eyes as she sucked in air in great, racking sobs.
"You're so strong," he said. "Whatever you're seeing, whatever you're feeling, it's not as strong as you are."
Rin has some wonderful friends but a world that is trying to tear her apart from the inside out.
Rin and her crew are trying to take down the evil Empress but they are getting swindled left and right. They end up with the Dragon Warlord trying to fight against others. People are killed, used, abused. Rin is lied to and watches innocent people die; watches people that she knows die. It seems like nothing is ever going to get better. BUT. There just might be a spark of hope in people she didn't even consider. There are things brewing. Will Rin and her people be able to bring the world down around the evilness. Wait and see.
Finally, spoke the Phoenix. The god's voice was dimmed by the Seal, but Rin could hear clearly every ring of its laughter. My darling little Speerly. At last we agree.
?????
"They're are not the strongest force in the world," Rin said. She felt the god's presence in the back of her mind-eager, delighted, and at last perfectly aligned with her intentions.
Together, spoke the Phoenix, we will burn down this world.
She slammed down her fist against the table. "I am."
I think these books are wonderful and the author nailed it in both books so far. For me, there was no second book syndrome. No holds barred, an incredible tale of hate, war and friendship.
***This is an uncorrected proof of the book and any quotes will be changed if they are not correct in the finished copy. I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for a digital copy of this wonderful book for review.***
Mel ?
August 24, 2020
1.) The Poppy War ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï
This was a masterpiece. I really loved The Poppy War , but this second installment was the book of my dreams. I¡¯m a bit speechless, and I am not sure I can express exactly how much this story meant to be, but I shall try. Especially because that means I can start my ARC of The Burning God and immediately start crying for another 500 pages.
This series is an ownvoices Chinese inspired military fantasy, and this sequel, The Dragon Republic, picks up after the dark events in book one.I am going to try to be a little vague about the plot in this review, and just focus on the important themes and discussions, while also talking about the characters who own my entire heart. But this book very much focuses on shamanism, and I was very invested from the first to last page!
You may also all call me president of the Fang Runin defense and protection squad. I live my life for one sneaky snake, and it is her. Also, Kitay, my baby, will love and cherish and protect at all costs. Also, seeing the way that this world has changed him has broken me beyond repair, but his friendship with Rin means everything to me. Not at the way I was praying for his life throughout the last half of this book though.
Next, I was already sailing on this ship in part two of The Poppy War , but let¡¯s talk about how rinezha is my new OTP of all time. Like, I cannot believe. I truly don¡¯t want to get into spoilers for the middle book of this series, but when I tell you the end of this book had me gasping for air like a fish out of water, I¡¯m not lying. The forehead kiss will haunt me until the end of my days, I promise you.
Something that I really love how it was depicted in this book was Rin¡¯s healing. Rin is dealing with the aftermath of all the actions she committed, and she is living with immense grief, immense depression, immense trauma, and immense PTSD. I feel like so many times in stories we get to see characters ¡°heal correctly¡± or whatever our society deems is correct. Yet, we get to see Rin make ¡°bad¡± choices in her healing process. From drug addiction, to denial, to darker thoughts even. Yet, this is such a real depiction of trauma and grief, and one that we normally never get to see, especially in a fantasy setting. Rin is so rightfully angry, and her pain is so loud, you hear it unapologetically, and I loved it a lot.
The Dragon Republic really focuses more on colorism more than The Poppy War did. Yes, we got to see Rin getting treated as lesser because of her darker skin, but in this second installment we really get to see how colorism runs rampant in this whole world, not just in small towns, or private school settings, or military branches. And Rin calls other characters out on this, and my heart was soaring, truly. Also, just the entire discussion of xenophobia at the heart of this story, while also always highlighting colonization, is so important and I can¡¯t wait to see all of this discussed even more in The Burning God .
Another thing that I also really loved about The Dragon Republic is that it really showcases how bad things don¡¯t only happen on battle fields. Humans are capable of terrible, horrible, evil things, and they don¡¯t need to use war as an excuse. The backdrop of war will only ever be a backdrop, and heinous acts can be committed in the safest seeming of cities and places. Again, not to get into spoilers but every scene with Petra left me shaken to my very core. I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ve ever felt so deeply uncomfortable over a character ever, and it¡¯s truly a testament to this story.
I feel like at this point I am witnessing Rebecca Kuang become a literary legend. The themes she isn¡¯t only touching upon, but she¡¯s completely dissecting. Her writing is truly so out of this world it¡¯s mind-blowing to think how this is her first series, and how many more series she will be able to craft if she wishes to do so. Her characters are so beautifully flawed, and raw, and grey, and real, that I forget they only live between these pages.
It¡¯s an honor to read and review these books. Also, I¡¯m just so proud that a young Asian girl is putting all these old, crusty, white, cis, SFF men to shame. And I truly believe this is a once in a lifetime series, but I more so even believe that Rebecca Kuang is once in a lifetime author.
Trigger and Content Warnings: genocide, colonization, racism, colorism, murder, substance addiction, grief, PTSD, depression, talk of suicide, suicide, self-harm, abortion, talk of rape, rape, forced medical examinations, human experimentations, humiliation, animal death, animal torture, loss of a loved one, genital mutilation (to a character who was doing a bad thing), abandonment, violence, gore, and war themes. This is a very dark book at times, please use caution and make sure you are in the right headspace, friends!
| | | | |
(Extra special thank yous to my 2 emotional support bbies: Ma?lys & May! Who both got to laugh at me for spiraling about tridents, got to listen to my heavy breathing over my OTP, and also crying as every theme developed. I¡¯m sorry & I love you.) ??
"Our world is a dream of the gods. Maybe they have other dreams. But all we have is this story unfolding, and in the script of this world, nothing's going to bring [him] back to life."
This was a masterpiece. I really loved The Poppy War , but this second installment was the book of my dreams. I¡¯m a bit speechless, and I am not sure I can express exactly how much this story meant to be, but I shall try. Especially because that means I can start my ARC of The Burning God and immediately start crying for another 500 pages.
This series is an ownvoices Chinese inspired military fantasy, and this sequel, The Dragon Republic, picks up after the dark events in book one.I am going to try to be a little vague about the plot in this review, and just focus on the important themes and discussions, while also talking about the characters who own my entire heart. But this book very much focuses on shamanism, and I was very invested from the first to last page!
You may also all call me president of the Fang Runin defense and protection squad. I live my life for one sneaky snake, and it is her. Also, Kitay, my baby, will love and cherish and protect at all costs. Also, seeing the way that this world has changed him has broken me beyond repair, but his friendship with Rin means everything to me. Not at the way I was praying for his life throughout the last half of this book though.
Next, I was already sailing on this ship in part two of The Poppy War , but let¡¯s talk about how rinezha is my new OTP of all time. Like, I cannot believe. I truly don¡¯t want to get into spoilers for the middle book of this series, but when I tell you the end of this book had me gasping for air like a fish out of water, I¡¯m not lying. The forehead kiss will haunt me until the end of my days, I promise you.
(the most breathtaking arc by )
Something that I really love how it was depicted in this book was Rin¡¯s healing. Rin is dealing with the aftermath of all the actions she committed, and she is living with immense grief, immense depression, immense trauma, and immense PTSD. I feel like so many times in stories we get to see characters ¡°heal correctly¡± or whatever our society deems is correct. Yet, we get to see Rin make ¡°bad¡± choices in her healing process. From drug addiction, to denial, to darker thoughts even. Yet, this is such a real depiction of trauma and grief, and one that we normally never get to see, especially in a fantasy setting. Rin is so rightfully angry, and her pain is so loud, you hear it unapologetically, and I loved it a lot.
"She was afraid that if she stopped being angry, she might crack apart."
The Dragon Republic really focuses more on colorism more than The Poppy War did. Yes, we got to see Rin getting treated as lesser because of her darker skin, but in this second installment we really get to see how colorism runs rampant in this whole world, not just in small towns, or private school settings, or military branches. And Rin calls other characters out on this, and my heart was soaring, truly. Also, just the entire discussion of xenophobia at the heart of this story, while also always highlighting colonization, is so important and I can¡¯t wait to see all of this discussed even more in The Burning God .
"Rin was so tired of having to prove her humanity."
Another thing that I also really loved about The Dragon Republic is that it really showcases how bad things don¡¯t only happen on battle fields. Humans are capable of terrible, horrible, evil things, and they don¡¯t need to use war as an excuse. The backdrop of war will only ever be a backdrop, and heinous acts can be committed in the safest seeming of cities and places. Again, not to get into spoilers but every scene with Petra left me shaken to my very core. I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ve ever felt so deeply uncomfortable over a character ever, and it¡¯s truly a testament to this story.
I feel like at this point I am witnessing Rebecca Kuang become a literary legend. The themes she isn¡¯t only touching upon, but she¡¯s completely dissecting. Her writing is truly so out of this world it¡¯s mind-blowing to think how this is her first series, and how many more series she will be able to craft if she wishes to do so. Her characters are so beautifully flawed, and raw, and grey, and real, that I forget they only live between these pages.
It¡¯s an honor to read and review these books. Also, I¡¯m just so proud that a young Asian girl is putting all these old, crusty, white, cis, SFF men to shame. And I truly believe this is a once in a lifetime series, but I more so even believe that Rebecca Kuang is once in a lifetime author.
Trigger and Content Warnings: genocide, colonization, racism, colorism, murder, substance addiction, grief, PTSD, depression, talk of suicide, suicide, self-harm, abortion, talk of rape, rape, forced medical examinations, human experimentations, humiliation, animal death, animal torture, loss of a loved one, genital mutilation (to a character who was doing a bad thing), abandonment, violence, gore, and war themes. This is a very dark book at times, please use caution and make sure you are in the right headspace, friends!
| | | | |
(Extra special thank yous to my 2 emotional support bbies: Ma?lys & May! Who both got to laugh at me for spiraling about tridents, got to listen to my heavy breathing over my OTP, and also crying as every theme developed. I¡¯m sorry & I love you.) ??
March 15, 2025
Idk what to do with life anymore.
__
The way it's been months since I finished the Poppy war and it still has me in a chokehold?!?!? I just know this book will break me, traumatize me and have me sobbing. Rebecca I'm trusting you.
One more book before I start my Buket week (where I read only her recs for a week!)
-Buddy reading this with Roxy
__
The way it's been months since I finished the Poppy war and it still has me in a chokehold?!?!? I just know this book will break me, traumatize me and have me sobbing. Rebecca I'm trusting you.
One more book before I start my Buket week (where I read only her recs for a week!)
-Buddy reading this with Roxy
November 10, 2024
OMG! I¡¯m doomed! What did I just read?! SILENCE¡
After freezing in shock, my loved ones (or maybe my haters?) took control of my keyboard and typed their impressions while I recovered from this book. I¡¯m leaving their reactions here unedited!
My sister-in-law:
¡°Wow! Two hours and 53 minutes have passed, and she¡¯s still sitting cross-legged on the floor like a yogi about to meditate (although she looks more like Yogi Bear). Look at the drool on her chin! I should record a video for my Instagram. Let¡¯s get a little closer¡ AHHH! Did she just bite me?!¡±
My dear husband:
¡°Hey, Nil, I know you¡¯re hiding in there, lost in that book, but could you please move? I forgave you for nearly skipping our wedding to finish Harry Potter. I forgave you for spoiling every Agatha Christie novel by revealing the murderer halfway through. And I¡¯m even grateful for the dinners you burned because, frankly, you¡¯re the world¡¯s worst cook. If Gordon Ramsay ever saw your cooking, he¡¯d demand you cut your hands off! Thanks to books, I¡¯m saving my stomach from endless ER trips. But please, get up¡ªyou¡¯re sitting on the remote, and I can¡¯t watch my soccer game!¡±
Besties Dolly and Ashley:
¡°She¡¯ll survive! I¡¯ve seen her worse! Remember, Dolly? She was banging her head against the wall after reading Colleen Hoover novels¡ªso emotional!¡±
¡°Or when she tried to throw her Kindle out the window after the last episode of Game of Thrones! Wait, didn¡¯t she try to toss the whole TV once and send a threatening letter to the GOT writers?¡±
¡°OMG, she moved! I see her legs! Come on, Nily! Push through¡ or, I mean, get up!¡±
And THEN¡ªI GOT UP and poured myself a glass of Chardonnay, jotting down why I loved this book so much:
? Sun Tzu vibes: One of my favorite books on strategy is The Art of War, and I noticed so many references to it in this novel. I was hooked! I loved the first book, but this second installment was richer, more intense, detailed, and perfectly developed. It¡¯s even better than the first, which was already one of my favorite debuts of 2018. This sequel has secured its place on my top-ten fantasy list!
? Rin¡¯s evolution: In the first book, I spent most of my time gritting my teeth at Rin. In this second installment, she¡¯s still exasperating, but I saw glimpses of maturity, growing pains, and a hardening resolve that made me hopeful about her character¡¯s journey.
? Dark, gritty, and intense: Blood is spilled. Innocent people are massacred. This isn¡¯t a light read; it feels like watching the opening of Saving Private Ryan on repeat. It¡¯s a test of endurance for anyone with a low pain tolerance.
? Brilliant cliffhangers: So many questions and cliffhangers are left for the next book! I don¡¯t know how my heart will survive the tension. This was a long read, but honestly, not long enough¡ªI wanted more!
In Summary: Dark fantasy lovers, this series just keeps getting better. I highly recommend this second book!
Okay, list finished. Time to sip more Chardonnay and steal my husband¡¯s takeout!
After freezing in shock, my loved ones (or maybe my haters?) took control of my keyboard and typed their impressions while I recovered from this book. I¡¯m leaving their reactions here unedited!
My sister-in-law:
¡°Wow! Two hours and 53 minutes have passed, and she¡¯s still sitting cross-legged on the floor like a yogi about to meditate (although she looks more like Yogi Bear). Look at the drool on her chin! I should record a video for my Instagram. Let¡¯s get a little closer¡ AHHH! Did she just bite me?!¡±
My dear husband:
¡°Hey, Nil, I know you¡¯re hiding in there, lost in that book, but could you please move? I forgave you for nearly skipping our wedding to finish Harry Potter. I forgave you for spoiling every Agatha Christie novel by revealing the murderer halfway through. And I¡¯m even grateful for the dinners you burned because, frankly, you¡¯re the world¡¯s worst cook. If Gordon Ramsay ever saw your cooking, he¡¯d demand you cut your hands off! Thanks to books, I¡¯m saving my stomach from endless ER trips. But please, get up¡ªyou¡¯re sitting on the remote, and I can¡¯t watch my soccer game!¡±
Besties Dolly and Ashley:
¡°She¡¯ll survive! I¡¯ve seen her worse! Remember, Dolly? She was banging her head against the wall after reading Colleen Hoover novels¡ªso emotional!¡±
¡°Or when she tried to throw her Kindle out the window after the last episode of Game of Thrones! Wait, didn¡¯t she try to toss the whole TV once and send a threatening letter to the GOT writers?¡±
¡°OMG, she moved! I see her legs! Come on, Nily! Push through¡ or, I mean, get up!¡±
And THEN¡ªI GOT UP and poured myself a glass of Chardonnay, jotting down why I loved this book so much:
? Sun Tzu vibes: One of my favorite books on strategy is The Art of War, and I noticed so many references to it in this novel. I was hooked! I loved the first book, but this second installment was richer, more intense, detailed, and perfectly developed. It¡¯s even better than the first, which was already one of my favorite debuts of 2018. This sequel has secured its place on my top-ten fantasy list!
? Rin¡¯s evolution: In the first book, I spent most of my time gritting my teeth at Rin. In this second installment, she¡¯s still exasperating, but I saw glimpses of maturity, growing pains, and a hardening resolve that made me hopeful about her character¡¯s journey.
? Dark, gritty, and intense: Blood is spilled. Innocent people are massacred. This isn¡¯t a light read; it feels like watching the opening of Saving Private Ryan on repeat. It¡¯s a test of endurance for anyone with a low pain tolerance.
? Brilliant cliffhangers: So many questions and cliffhangers are left for the next book! I don¡¯t know how my heart will survive the tension. This was a long read, but honestly, not long enough¡ªI wanted more!
In Summary: Dark fantasy lovers, this series just keeps getting better. I highly recommend this second book!
Okay, list finished. Time to sip more Chardonnay and steal my husband¡¯s takeout!
November 27, 2020
this book is a black hole - it consumes everything in its path and leaves no survivors.?
if youve read 'the poppy war,' you already know this series was headed for inevitable darkness. this is a bleak, unforgiving installment of betrayal, heartbreak, loss, and anger. i know many readers wont like the relentless tone of this novel, but i love it. appreciate?it, even. i think kuang expertly captures the feelings and atmosphere of war, regardless of how miserable it may make the reader.?
i also love how rins character is developing. she definitely lives in that morally gray/middle area, but the reader exists in that area right along with her. even if i didnt agree with some of the choices she made, i could definitely understand and empathise with her.?
the writing is a delight, as well. it feels so fresh, which should be impossible given the subject material. but the writing takes a historical influence and makes it feel modern.? ??
the only thing preventing me from giving this five stars is the fact that the plot is so war/politics/strategy heavy. which is such a silly thing to complain about, i know. i know this is a war-based historical fiction fantasy novel/series, but its the fantasy elements that really draw me into the story and sell it. i wish i could enjoy the war aspect more, but my eyes tend to glaze over long paragraph of tactical descriptions. thats no fault of the books, though.?
overall, this is a brilliant sequel. i can tell kuang has grown as a writer since her debut. she was strong before, but now she is straight up lethal and i fully expect the next book in the series to be the death of me.?
? 4.5 stars
if youve read 'the poppy war,' you already know this series was headed for inevitable darkness. this is a bleak, unforgiving installment of betrayal, heartbreak, loss, and anger. i know many readers wont like the relentless tone of this novel, but i love it. appreciate?it, even. i think kuang expertly captures the feelings and atmosphere of war, regardless of how miserable it may make the reader.?
i also love how rins character is developing. she definitely lives in that morally gray/middle area, but the reader exists in that area right along with her. even if i didnt agree with some of the choices she made, i could definitely understand and empathise with her.?
the writing is a delight, as well. it feels so fresh, which should be impossible given the subject material. but the writing takes a historical influence and makes it feel modern.? ??
the only thing preventing me from giving this five stars is the fact that the plot is so war/politics/strategy heavy. which is such a silly thing to complain about, i know. i know this is a war-based historical fiction fantasy novel/series, but its the fantasy elements that really draw me into the story and sell it. i wish i could enjoy the war aspect more, but my eyes tend to glaze over long paragraph of tactical descriptions. thats no fault of the books, though.?
overall, this is a brilliant sequel. i can tell kuang has grown as a writer since her debut. she was strong before, but now she is straight up lethal and i fully expect the next book in the series to be the death of me.?
? 4.5 stars
August 18, 2020
vague spoiler warning - quote //
I think about the line ¡°he brushed his lips against her forehead as he drove the knife deeper into her back¡± every single day and lose my mind
4.5 stars
:: content warnings :: war themes (death, murder, violence etc.), genocide, self-harm, rape, mutilation, human experimentation, non-consensual medical examinations, racism, colorism, misogyny, drug use, substance addiction, depictions of grief and PTSD
I think about the line ¡°he brushed his lips against her forehead as he drove the knife deeper into her back¡± every single day and lose my mind
4.5 stars
:: content warnings :: war themes (death, murder, violence etc.), genocide, self-harm, rape, mutilation, human experimentation, non-consensual medical examinations, racism, colorism, misogyny, drug use, substance addiction, depictions of grief and PTSD
October 5, 2023
ouch my heart x2
September 10, 2020
pain.. all i feel is pain
March 26, 2024
I feel like I need at least a month of straight therapy after that! I think I might just review all of these after I finish book 3. Not sure. Either way, RTC. ??
¡°People will seek to use you or destroy you. If you want to live, you must pick a side. So do not shirk from war, child. Do not flinch from suffering. When you hear screaming, run toward it.¡±
¡°People will seek to use you or destroy you. If you want to live, you must pick a side. So do not shirk from war, child. Do not flinch from suffering. When you hear screaming, run toward it.¡±
July 14, 2022
2.5 stars. While relatively entertaining, this book lacks originality and is far too predictable
This one is a struggle for me, as virtually every single one of my friends who has reviewed this book has given it stellar reviews. I have heard non-stop about how wonderful this series is, and I have been looking forward to reading it for quite some time.
Unfortunately, as I began to read this book it became quickly obvious that this book is not a fantasy book, it's a historical fiction. I did get the vibe from the first book that something was off, but I couldn't put my finger exactly on it - it was very clear that Nikara was China, and even looked like it on a map - and there were multiple references to Sun Tzu, which seemed odd to reference a real life person in a fantasy book. After reading the book and trying to investigate this more, it became clear that the first book is telling the story of the Second Sino-Japanese War - a war that I had very little knowledge of until doing my research after reading.
So I went into The Dragon Republic wondering what was next for this series but feeling leery. I am a big fan of Early/mid 1900s world history, and the connections to this book and the Chinese Civil War are endless. Every single one of the major characters and nations is very specifically referring to something from that real life war. Nikara is China, Mugen is Japan, Speer is Taiwan, Rin is Mao, Vaisra is Chiang Kai-Shek - and the list goes on. So as someone who is intimately familiar with this event, this book lacked originality and was extremely predictable from start to finish, and ruined so much of the enjoyment for me, and it ended up being a chore for me to read it.
Trying to set that aside though, I have thoroughly enjoyed the magic system in this book - it's fresh, fun, and a thrill to read about. But unfortunately it's quite literally the only original thing in this book.
The lack of originality could be set aside if the characters and dialogue was a joy to read, but I find myself disliking the main protagonist, which is always an enormous problem. I felt connected to her in the first book, and the trauma and resulting emotions that she went through I found compelling. I suppose this is inevitable since the biographies of Mao I have read resulted in me hating him as well, but nonetheless it's frustrating to read.
I'll probably end up reading the final book, but my interest in this series has dropped significantly.
May 24, 2021
(4.5 ¡ï¡¯s)
The Dragon Republic is a tale of many things¡ªfestering anger and broken trust, learning to fight for hope and bearing failure¡¯s inevitable rust, yes, but more than anything else, it is a tale of rankling inequity and unspeakable iniquity, of looking at the colour of one¡¯s skin or the size of their head or the shape of their eyes, and deeming them lower, lesser, inhuman and primitive and stupid; of declaring a person chosen and evolved and another, unformed mud; of feeling righteous in reaching for what they have and carelessly trampling them beneath your shining heels.
As a Middle Easterner, I know first hand that stories like this are too common in Asia. We bear that legacy of pain on our shoulders¡ªour backs are bent beneath their weights and our heads beaten down. Too often does the world gloss over the atrocities of the past, too often the response to history is ¡°but that¡¯s all in the past.¡±
Well, it is not.
You can tell the world to move on, you can shout it and chant it and point to the silent weapons and loud reforms promising freedom and equality, but how can one move on when we still live in an unfair world revolving around privilege, a world where the colour of your skin or the soil you were born on decide what you can and cannot have? The promises and well-intended declarations of ¡°look to the future because what¡¯s passed is in the past¡±? All they do is veil the injustice that forms the roots of this world, and by forgetting our history there is no way to shape a better future.
That is why The Poppy War trilogy matters. That is why this Chinese inspired military fantasy should be read and discussed and remembered. With The Dragon Republic, Rebecca Kuang aims to make you, dear reader, terribly uncomfortable. This is a book that is grim and dark and sucks your energy away like a black hole devouring all light. It¡¯s not a wickedly delightful grimdark fantasy relishing rage and revenge, but one that unveils the leeches feeding and growing on your vengeance and makes you so furious yet so helpless that you are crushed underneath the weight of the world, exhausted and powerless even as you know that there is no fate, only choice.
I¡¯m not sure if I love or hate that Kuang can take glorious concepts such as ethereal worlds and gods and a revolution, and drag them down to earth so viciously that they turn into tangible, worldly, manageable affairs of everyday life. It¡¯s rather frustratingly admirable, I admit.
But with a plot that does not fall into the passivity trap of TPW, added intrigue, improved writing, and awe-inspiringly deeper dive into intended themes like trauma and addiction, TDR managed to steal my heart in the way I¡¯d been all but begging for, despite slightly lacking in development of some relationships (not characters, which were all stunningly layered and shaped)¡ªbut we¡¯ll get to that in time.
If you write a book inspired by true events, you bet I, the history nerd, will dedicate an entire section to analysis of its influences and themes. Forget the characters and relationships and whatnot, this is the real reason why TPW trilogy is worthy of note. From civil war to western colonisation, Kuang unflinchingly tackles every dark nook and cranny of its Chinese influence to the ground, taming it and capturing it and putting it on disturbing display for our guarded eyes.
In my review of The Poppy War, I mentioned how I believed these books were largely inspired by the Qing dynasty which was the last imperial dynasty of China, and this sequel further strengthens my conclusion.
For one thing, the book¡¯s Poppy Wars and their Hesperian relations are reminiscent of the Opium Wars, which were Europe¡¯s early attempts at western colonisation of China during the reign of the Qing dynasty. Not only that, but Kuang also shows the shift in Europe¡¯s attempts at colonisation through history, from forceful penetration in the 19th century to the economical coercion and civilising mission of the following years. The racism and greed inherent in those intervening, invasive hands seeking control of the resources of prosperous eastern lands excused by beliefs in the superiority of the White race is an infuriating and uncomfortable topic to witness for anyone of any ethnicity, and Kuang fearlessly lays its every preposterous audacity bare.
However, she has also jumbled the timeline of events and mixed nations¡¯ and figures¡¯ roles enough that I had to spend an insane amount of time piecing this puzzle together. To share my findings, I¡¯ll have to give you a quick history lesson touching upon a few needed prominent moments:
What happened with the Chinese Civil War after that is not in the domain of this book, so I¡¯m leaving the story there.
As is evident, Kuang has taken events spanning across two centuries, shifted them and changed them and summarised them in a few decades: Mugen (Japan) became the main enemy in the Poppy Wars instead of Hesperia (Europe) and the Second Sino-Japanese War became the Third Poppy War, happening years earlier during the Qing dynasty instead of after its collapse. Vaisra is a Yuan Shikai (a Qing military strongman establishing the first modern army and a more efficient provincial government in North China) who did as Sun Yat-sen had done and sought foreign help, sending his people to learn from the Hesperians. The Consortium is the Comintern, observing and meddling in the precise same way. I could go on, matching every character and action with its historical counterpart because I am mad enough to have spent hours doing just that, but I will spare your poor braincells.
Despite the changes that brought the fiction to the historical, TDR ultimately maintains the main themes of its inspirations and boldly explores their implications. From fear and eradication of rumours of sorcery, to anti-Christianity and the cold treatment of western ambassadors during the Qing dynasty; from the colourism dividing North and South China with a line of prejudice and privilege, to idealist liberal movements that are in truth hypocritical and blind to the reality of the depth of injustice; from arrogant civilising missions, colonisations, and rapacity of the west, to beliefs in the superiority and chosen status of a race over the lowly and inhumane view of another, Kuang pours heart and soul into ink and parchment to develop each facet of the picture she draws.
And that, my friends, is why this book matters. It matters because it does not let you ignore what was and what is, still, laid in our foundations.
If you strip away the powerful themes and exquisite world, you will be left with the characters¡ªand they are just as faceted as the aforementioned aspects of the book.
? Rin: It¡¯s quite rare to read healing journeys gone wrong, weaving the ways characters slip instead of succeed in their battle with mental illness, so I appreciate how Kuang delves into Rin¡¯s mentality, her excuses behind addiction, and her immediate flight when encountering grief and guilt. With Rin¡¯s internal struggles, we soberingly witness the philosophy of violence and watch as its haunting consequences unfold.
But in all honesty, even as I love Rin¡¯s lethal, unapologetic quickness and zero tolerance, she¡¯s too much of a follower¡ªneeding to be disciplined, craving her abusers, picking paths rather than carving her own¡ªto capture my heart yet. I do love that her incompetence is acknowledged, though; something that has me very hopeful for the path the story seems to be taking.
? Nezha: This idealistic, clueless, privileged, haunted, idiotically loyal baby boy has me so conflicted I want to simultaneously hug him adoringly and pummel him angrily. It¡¯s a pity that his character and his dynamic with Rin did not get the time and attention they deserved, because they could¡¯ve been my new obsession. But sadly, this relationship ended up being as lackingly developed as Rin and Altan in TPW.
Considering how impressively Kuang¡¯s writing has improved though, with Altan¡¯s promised theme of destructive tendencies now finally being shown and thoroughly written, I cannot wait to see Kuang grow even more and steal my breath with Rinezha as well as Nezha himself.
? Kitay: You know that character who walks through trauma and emerges as a bitter bastard on the other side? Yes, that one, the one I, however disturbingly, love¡ªthat is my Kitay going from an uptight, moral cinnamon roll to a viciously practical scholar slaying me with his sass. It was a little sad to see his righteousness come bite him in the arse, but I¡¯d be lying if I didn¡¯t say it was also satisfying; what can I say, I¡¯m evil.
? The Cike: Last but not least, tiny, innocent, brilliant, and dangerous Ramsa, sarcastic, irreverent, and thrill-seeking Baji, hypocritical, tragic Chaghan, and all of the Cike¡¯s forced companionship and solid comradeship left a mark on my heart. They might not be warm, they might not be friendly, they might constantly hit one another, never pulling punches...but to me, they are a testament to the unlikely friends, no allies, that one can stumble upon in times of pain and crisis when all you have is one more broken soul who might hate you for the mirror you are of their own doomed predicament, but they would have your back if you have theirs because, really, you¡¯re all the other¡¯s got.
Book series playlist:
Books in series:
? The Poppy War (The Poppy War, #1) ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î
? The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War, #2) ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï?
? The Burning God (The Poppy War, #3) ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï
You asked how large my sorrow is,
And I answered, like a river in spring flowing east.
¡ªLi Yu (ÀîìÏ)
The Dragon Republic is a tale of many things¡ªfestering anger and broken trust, learning to fight for hope and bearing failure¡¯s inevitable rust, yes, but more than anything else, it is a tale of rankling inequity and unspeakable iniquity, of looking at the colour of one¡¯s skin or the size of their head or the shape of their eyes, and deeming them lower, lesser, inhuman and primitive and stupid; of declaring a person chosen and evolved and another, unformed mud; of feeling righteous in reaching for what they have and carelessly trampling them beneath your shining heels.
As a Middle Easterner, I know first hand that stories like this are too common in Asia. We bear that legacy of pain on our shoulders¡ªour backs are bent beneath their weights and our heads beaten down. Too often does the world gloss over the atrocities of the past, too often the response to history is ¡°but that¡¯s all in the past.¡±
Well, it is not.
You can tell the world to move on, you can shout it and chant it and point to the silent weapons and loud reforms promising freedom and equality, but how can one move on when we still live in an unfair world revolving around privilege, a world where the colour of your skin or the soil you were born on decide what you can and cannot have? The promises and well-intended declarations of ¡°look to the future because what¡¯s passed is in the past¡±? All they do is veil the injustice that forms the roots of this world, and by forgetting our history there is no way to shape a better future.
That is why The Poppy War trilogy matters. That is why this Chinese inspired military fantasy should be read and discussed and remembered. With The Dragon Republic, Rebecca Kuang aims to make you, dear reader, terribly uncomfortable. This is a book that is grim and dark and sucks your energy away like a black hole devouring all light. It¡¯s not a wickedly delightful grimdark fantasy relishing rage and revenge, but one that unveils the leeches feeding and growing on your vengeance and makes you so furious yet so helpless that you are crushed underneath the weight of the world, exhausted and powerless even as you know that there is no fate, only choice.
¡°Happy New Year,¡± Kitay said. ¡°May the gods send you blessings and good fortune.¡±
¡°Health, wealth, and happiness. May your enemies rot and surrender quickly before we have to kill more of them.¡±
I¡¯m not sure if I love or hate that Kuang can take glorious concepts such as ethereal worlds and gods and a revolution, and drag them down to earth so viciously that they turn into tangible, worldly, manageable affairs of everyday life. It¡¯s rather frustratingly admirable, I admit.
But with a plot that does not fall into the passivity trap of TPW, added intrigue, improved writing, and awe-inspiringly deeper dive into intended themes like trauma and addiction, TDR managed to steal my heart in the way I¡¯d been all but begging for, despite slightly lacking in development of some relationships (not characters, which were all stunningly layered and shaped)¡ªbut we¡¯ll get to that in time.
Credit:
Inspirations: Let¡¯s Talk History
If you write a book inspired by true events, you bet I, the history nerd, will dedicate an entire section to analysis of its influences and themes. Forget the characters and relationships and whatnot, this is the real reason why TPW trilogy is worthy of note. From civil war to western colonisation, Kuang unflinchingly tackles every dark nook and cranny of its Chinese influence to the ground, taming it and capturing it and putting it on disturbing display for our guarded eyes.
In my review of The Poppy War, I mentioned how I believed these books were largely inspired by the Qing dynasty which was the last imperial dynasty of China, and this sequel further strengthens my conclusion.
For one thing, the book¡¯s Poppy Wars and their Hesperian relations are reminiscent of the Opium Wars, which were Europe¡¯s early attempts at western colonisation of China during the reign of the Qing dynasty. Not only that, but Kuang also shows the shift in Europe¡¯s attempts at colonisation through history, from forceful penetration in the 19th century to the economical coercion and civilising mission of the following years. The racism and greed inherent in those intervening, invasive hands seeking control of the resources of prosperous eastern lands excused by beliefs in the superiority of the White race is an infuriating and uncomfortable topic to witness for anyone of any ethnicity, and Kuang fearlessly lays its every preposterous audacity bare.
However, she has also jumbled the timeline of events and mixed nations¡¯ and figures¡¯ roles enough that I had to spend an insane amount of time piecing this puzzle together. To share my findings, I¡¯ll have to give you a quick history lesson touching upon a few needed prominent moments:
Once upon a time the Qing dynasty ruled over China from 1636 to 1912. During its later years, the British who love tea bought their supply from China¡ªbut because they didn¡¯t want to pay for it with their silver, they made up for it with cotton and opium exports from India, in which they¡¯d just gained control. As opium addiction became an issue in the land though, the Chinese government declared a ban on all opium trade. The Great Britain was obviously bothered so, you guessed it, they showed up with their ships and guns in June of 1840 and demanded unjustified rights. The following years brought suffering and two Opium Wars for China as it was overpowered by the west, the US, France, and Russia all taking advantage of its weakness to press for favourable trade treaties and generally getting away with whatever the hell they wanted.
Eventually, people got fed up and, with various revolts, the 1911 Revolution succeeded in overthrowing the Qing. After more civil war and unrest, the Beiyang government was established as China¡¯s central authority with Yuan Shikai being the first formal President of the Republic of China. But, seeking more of the ever-alluring power and monopolising the power of the new national government, Yuan made a short-lived attempt to make himself Emperor, died, power struggles ensued, and China ended up with two warring governments: the Communist Party of China (or CPC, based in North China) and the Nationalist Party of China (or KMT, based in South China, created by Sun Yat-sen who had previously opposed and then compromised with Yuan).
History is complicated and confusing, but there is one thing you need to know whenever it comes to the affairs of the east: that, after a point, you will always find the west peeking its head. So as China fought to unify itself, two things relevant to this historical fiction series were happening: on one hand, the foreign armies stationed in North China that had been brought in to suppress the rebellion were in danger of warring to gain power over the divided land for their ¡°advanced nations¡± and on the other hand, the Soviet Union proceeded to pledge its assistance for unification of China. Thus, while everyone sought to retain both a compliant native government and equal opportunity for investment, the Soviet leadership initiated a dual policy of support for both Chinese parties, backing CPC with money and spies and aiming to reorganise KMT along the ideals of the Comintern¡ªan international organisation founded by Russia that advocated world communism.
After years of division, Japan¡¯s invasion of China in 1937 due to its decades-long imperialist policy to become a colonial power itself, led to a temporary unification of KMT and CPC as China fought the Second Sino-Japanese War with the help of the Soviet Union and the United States. And then there was death and tragedy and the Rape of Nanjing and WWII and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki...and you know how it goes¡ªlives were destroyed, crimes were committed, and history was tainted and painted in black.
What happened with the Chinese Civil War after that is not in the domain of this book, so I¡¯m leaving the story there.
As is evident, Kuang has taken events spanning across two centuries, shifted them and changed them and summarised them in a few decades: Mugen (Japan) became the main enemy in the Poppy Wars instead of Hesperia (Europe) and the Second Sino-Japanese War became the Third Poppy War, happening years earlier during the Qing dynasty instead of after its collapse. Vaisra is a Yuan Shikai (a Qing military strongman establishing the first modern army and a more efficient provincial government in North China) who did as Sun Yat-sen had done and sought foreign help, sending his people to learn from the Hesperians. The Consortium is the Comintern, observing and meddling in the precise same way. I could go on, matching every character and action with its historical counterpart because I am mad enough to have spent hours doing just that, but I will spare your poor braincells.
Despite the changes that brought the fiction to the historical, TDR ultimately maintains the main themes of its inspirations and boldly explores their implications. From fear and eradication of rumours of sorcery, to anti-Christianity and the cold treatment of western ambassadors during the Qing dynasty; from the colourism dividing North and South China with a line of prejudice and privilege, to idealist liberal movements that are in truth hypocritical and blind to the reality of the depth of injustice; from arrogant civilising missions, colonisations, and rapacity of the west, to beliefs in the superiority and chosen status of a race over the lowly and inhumane view of another, Kuang pours heart and soul into ink and parchment to develop each facet of the picture she draws.
¡°Do not shirk from war, child. Do not flinch from suffering. When you hear screaming, run toward it.¡±
And that, my friends, is why this book matters. It matters because it does not let you ignore what was and what is, still, laid in our foundations.
Characters: Development & Relationships
If you strip away the powerful themes and exquisite world, you will be left with the characters¡ªand they are just as faceted as the aforementioned aspects of the book.
¡°When you have the power that you do, your life is not your own.¡±
? Rin: It¡¯s quite rare to read healing journeys gone wrong, weaving the ways characters slip instead of succeed in their battle with mental illness, so I appreciate how Kuang delves into Rin¡¯s mentality, her excuses behind addiction, and her immediate flight when encountering grief and guilt. With Rin¡¯s internal struggles, we soberingly witness the philosophy of violence and watch as its haunting consequences unfold.
But in all honesty, even as I love Rin¡¯s lethal, unapologetic quickness and zero tolerance, she¡¯s too much of a follower¡ªneeding to be disciplined, craving her abusers, picking paths rather than carving her own¡ªto capture my heart yet. I do love that her incompetence is acknowledged, though; something that has me very hopeful for the path the story seems to be taking.
Credit:
? Nezha: This idealistic, clueless, privileged, haunted, idiotically loyal baby boy has me so conflicted I want to simultaneously hug him adoringly and pummel him angrily. It¡¯s a pity that his character and his dynamic with Rin did not get the time and attention they deserved, because they could¡¯ve been my new obsession. But sadly, this relationship ended up being as lackingly developed as Rin and Altan in TPW.
Considering how impressively Kuang¡¯s writing has improved though, with Altan¡¯s promised theme of destructive tendencies now finally being shown and thoroughly written, I cannot wait to see Kuang grow even more and steal my breath with Rinezha as well as Nezha himself.
Credit:
? Kitay: You know that character who walks through trauma and emerges as a bitter bastard on the other side? Yes, that one, the one I, however disturbingly, love¡ªthat is my Kitay going from an uptight, moral cinnamon roll to a viciously practical scholar slaying me with his sass. It was a little sad to see his righteousness come bite him in the arse, but I¡¯d be lying if I didn¡¯t say it was also satisfying; what can I say, I¡¯m evil.
? The Cike: Last but not least, tiny, innocent, brilliant, and dangerous Ramsa, sarcastic, irreverent, and thrill-seeking Baji, hypocritical, tragic Chaghan, and all of the Cike¡¯s forced companionship and solid comradeship left a mark on my heart. They might not be warm, they might not be friendly, they might constantly hit one another, never pulling punches...but to me, they are a testament to the unlikely friends, no allies, that one can stumble upon in times of pain and crisis when all you have is one more broken soul who might hate you for the mirror you are of their own doomed predicament, but they would have your back if you have theirs because, really, you¡¯re all the other¡¯s got.
CW ? racism, colourism, colonisation, abuse, misogyny, PTSD, grief, substance use and addiction, self-harm, nonconsensual human experimentations and medical examinations, torture, rape, burning, genocide, mutilation, gore and violence
Companions: Playlist & Related Reviews
Book series playlist:
Books in series:
? The Poppy War (The Poppy War, #1) ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î
? The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War, #2) ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï?
? The Burning God (The Poppy War, #3) ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï
March 15, 2024
5/5
I LOVE this series. I ADORE this series. I WORSHIP this series. I TREASURE this series. I¡¯m ON MY KNEES for this series. I want to start a NEW RELIGION for this series. I want to PROPOSE to this series I want to MARRY this series. I want to DIE for this series. I¡¯m INSANE for this series. I want to buy EVERY POSSIBLE COPY of this series. I want to START A FAMILY with this series. I want to worship this series on my knees UNTIL THE DAY I DIE.
I don't remember the last time I was so absorbed in some books that I couldn't function like a normal person. I got up, I went to read this book, I ate and read this book, I read instead of studying because this book was more important, I tried to sleep and thought about this book, I was taking a shower and couldn't wait to finally go to bed and read this book instead of going to sleep. I don't know what kind of crack R.F. Kuang put into this trilogy, but I'm absolutely obsessed. I know Rebecca will never see this, but thank you. Your books reminded me why I love reading.
I never expected the second book to be even better than the first one, which I already rated five stars - and believe me, it¡¯s a rare occurrence for me to rate a book that high - but yes, it pushed the first part off the podium. The plot, the twists, and that end. There was action after action, even when it seemed calmer, suddenly something happened and instead of talking a break for a second, you kept reading because you had to know what was happening. If there was one thing I would wholeheartedly recommend before starting this series, it would be to not get attached to any of the characters. Seriously. This is definitely not your typical young adult fantasy story where all the characters got what they deserved, whether it was a happy ending or not. It¡¯s a book about war, its ugly and painful consequences and the people who, regardless of age, had to participate in it, losing their loved ones, friends and even themselves.
The characters here clearly stole the show. Kitay, the greatest best friend, I never thought I could love this man more, but I do. Nezha, I know he has a lot going on in his complicated life, I hate him for what he's done, but I don't think it's possible for me to dislike him. Ramsa, Suni, Baji, Venka, I love these people, I have become so attached to them, I just love them with my whole heart. You could see here how much these characters had changed, how the war had changed them all, from young people with aspirations to people who lost some faith in their future but still wanted to fight for what they thought was good.
Let's not forget about the most important character here, Fang Runin. You could so clearly see how much she had changed since the first book - from a still young girl attending her dream academy, to a girl who had lost many important people, to a girl who had to make choices that no child should have to make, to a girl who people treated like a machine, not a human, to a girl who was lost and wanted to give up, but still found the strength to fight. I think her character was portrayed in the most real and authentic way. She was far from perfect, but are any of us perfect? She was not, but that doesn't change the fact that she's still one of the best characters I've ever read about. Did I agree with all of her choices? No, some of the paths she chose frustrated me or I just simply didn¡¯t understand them, but I kept forgetting that she was a young girl who grew up in difficult conditions, and when she finally found herself in the place she chose, a war began in which due to her newfound abilities, she had no choice but fight. I have this great feeling that I know what will happen in the third book with her, and not only with her, but for my own peace of mind I will try to be delusional and pretend that I am wrong.
I could probably write and write about this book forever, but I'll stop here and just say that I highly recommend it with my whole heart. I know that this is a series that you have to be in the right mood and time to start, I picked it up after it had been on my shelf for two years, but it was so worth it. Despite the pain, tears, betrayal and trauma I experienced here, it was worth it.
I LOVE this series. I ADORE this series. I WORSHIP this series. I TREASURE this series. I¡¯m ON MY KNEES for this series. I want to start a NEW RELIGION for this series. I want to PROPOSE to this series I want to MARRY this series. I want to DIE for this series. I¡¯m INSANE for this series. I want to buy EVERY POSSIBLE COPY of this series. I want to START A FAMILY with this series. I want to worship this series on my knees UNTIL THE DAY I DIE.
I don't remember the last time I was so absorbed in some books that I couldn't function like a normal person. I got up, I went to read this book, I ate and read this book, I read instead of studying because this book was more important, I tried to sleep and thought about this book, I was taking a shower and couldn't wait to finally go to bed and read this book instead of going to sleep. I don't know what kind of crack R.F. Kuang put into this trilogy, but I'm absolutely obsessed. I know Rebecca will never see this, but thank you. Your books reminded me why I love reading.
I never expected the second book to be even better than the first one, which I already rated five stars - and believe me, it¡¯s a rare occurrence for me to rate a book that high - but yes, it pushed the first part off the podium. The plot, the twists, and that end. There was action after action, even when it seemed calmer, suddenly something happened and instead of talking a break for a second, you kept reading because you had to know what was happening. If there was one thing I would wholeheartedly recommend before starting this series, it would be to not get attached to any of the characters. Seriously. This is definitely not your typical young adult fantasy story where all the characters got what they deserved, whether it was a happy ending or not. It¡¯s a book about war, its ugly and painful consequences and the people who, regardless of age, had to participate in it, losing their loved ones, friends and even themselves.
The characters here clearly stole the show. Kitay, the greatest best friend, I never thought I could love this man more, but I do. Nezha, I know he has a lot going on in his complicated life, I hate him for what he's done, but I don't think it's possible for me to dislike him. Ramsa, Suni, Baji, Venka, I love these people, I have become so attached to them, I just love them with my whole heart. You could see here how much these characters had changed, how the war had changed them all, from young people with aspirations to people who lost some faith in their future but still wanted to fight for what they thought was good.
"But eventually, you'll have to ask yourself precisely what you're fighting for. And you'll have to find a reason to live past vengeance"
"Fire and water looked so lovely together. It was a pity they destroyed each other by nature."
Let's not forget about the most important character here, Fang Runin. You could so clearly see how much she had changed since the first book - from a still young girl attending her dream academy, to a girl who had lost many important people, to a girl who had to make choices that no child should have to make, to a girl who people treated like a machine, not a human, to a girl who was lost and wanted to give up, but still found the strength to fight. I think her character was portrayed in the most real and authentic way. She was far from perfect, but are any of us perfect? She was not, but that doesn't change the fact that she's still one of the best characters I've ever read about. Did I agree with all of her choices? No, some of the paths she chose frustrated me or I just simply didn¡¯t understand them, but I kept forgetting that she was a young girl who grew up in difficult conditions, and when she finally found herself in the place she chose, a war began in which due to her newfound abilities, she had no choice but fight. I have this great feeling that I know what will happen in the third book with her, and not only with her, but for my own peace of mind I will try to be delusional and pretend that I am wrong.
I could probably write and write about this book forever, but I'll stop here and just say that I highly recommend it with my whole heart. I know that this is a series that you have to be in the right mood and time to start, I picked it up after it had been on my shelf for two years, but it was so worth it. Despite the pain, tears, betrayal and trauma I experienced here, it was worth it.
January 10, 2021
reread update Jan 2021:
Fang Runin? Her weed? I roll that. Her hand? I hold that. Her back? I got that. Her wife? I am that. Needs someone to die for her? I'll do that
I HAVE NO FREAKIN GODDAMN WORDS
Here I am thinking nothing can be more epic than The Poppy War and R.F Kuang comes and smacks me across the face with THIS BOOK. The BREADTH this world has. THE DEPTH these characters have. THE COMPLEXITY of morality and relationships in this series. the HISTORICAL REFERENCING that underpin this series creating an interesting mirror of our own world. The TWISTS, TURNS AND INCREDIBLE PLOT that has given so much intricacy in this second book. The entire time reading this I just couldn't stop thinking about how no one I've read writes fantasy like R.F Kuang. She truly owns my whole ass
ALSO, we're not gonna think about all those Zutara dynamics and how she really fucked me up with that water and fire metaphor I'm really not strong enough
Deserved 5 star for Kitay making a dick joke about Nezha regardless of anything else tbh
Review to come
Fang Runin? Her weed? I roll that. Her hand? I hold that. Her back? I got that. Her wife? I am that. Needs someone to die for her? I'll do that
¡°Between us, we have the fire and the water,¡± she said quietly. ¡°I¡¯m quite sure that together, we can take on the wind.¡±
I HAVE NO FREAKIN GODDAMN WORDS
Here I am thinking nothing can be more epic than The Poppy War and R.F Kuang comes and smacks me across the face with THIS BOOK. The BREADTH this world has. THE DEPTH these characters have. THE COMPLEXITY of morality and relationships in this series. the HISTORICAL REFERENCING that underpin this series creating an interesting mirror of our own world. The TWISTS, TURNS AND INCREDIBLE PLOT that has given so much intricacy in this second book. The entire time reading this I just couldn't stop thinking about how no one I've read writes fantasy like R.F Kuang. She truly owns my whole ass
ALSO, we're not gonna think about all those Zutara dynamics and how she really fucked me up with that water and fire metaphor I'm really not strong enough
Deserved 5 star for Kitay making a dick joke about Nezha regardless of anything else tbh
Review to come
June 11, 2024
¡°only 20 minutes to sleep / but you dream of some epiphany / just one single glimpse of relief / to make some sense of what you¡¯ve seen¡±
this is one of my favorite reads of 2024 (so far), and i knew the instant i started that this book was going to be life changing. i¡¯m picky with my five star ratings, but this deserves it for so many reasons, most notably: 1) i felt every emotion ¡ª from rage and hurt and fear to hope and relief and even contentment (though those last few may have been short lived), and 2) longevity ¡ª i haven¡¯t stopped (and likely won¡¯t ever stop) thinking about this story and these characters. i have such a soft spot for books that move me and make me feel so intensely on behalf of people who are simply figments of our imaginations ¡ª that is real talent, and my god is this book a paragon of that.
[the rest of this review contains spoilers, though they are mostly out of context. if you would like to go into this book/series knowing as little as possible, do not read further.]
there is quite a bit of controversy about the first installment of this series. from what i¡¯ve read, the poppy war was not so much inspired by history as copy and pasted with minor alterations. but this book felt more inventive ¡ª with the anchor bond between rin and kitay, feylen¡¯s role in the war, and nezha¡¯s shamanic abilities being some examples. it felt both inspired (as opposed to borrowed) and original, and the storyline completely captivated me. in an interesting but unsurprising turn of events, with the federation mostly gone, the empire falls into a state of unrest and different groups vie for power ¡ª and you know what that means: civil war. we, along with rin, discover the truth about past events, about the previous poppy wars, about the trifecta, about the mugenese and the hesperians. and through it all, rf kuang¡¯s message reverberates with clarity ¡ª imperialism robs people of their culture and identity, breeds violence and deep seated resentment, and has catastrophic consequences for both the colonized and the colonizers. i particularly love the way kuang writes about war. she shows how nuanced it is, intertwined not only with politics and power but also pride and revenge. there are no heroes in this story. everyone is a villain in someone else¡¯s eyes. everyone has committed atrocities. everyone is guilty, and it is futile to argue against that truth.
as for the characters, i wasn¡¯t completely enamored with rin, at least for the first half of the book, like i expected to be. i really liked her in the first book, but i felt sort of indifferent to her throughout many parts of this one. sometimes she¡¯s so hotheaded and single minded that it makes her character feel almost petulant. i get that she¡¯s still so young with an inordinate amount of power, but it was frustrating to read about at times. she¡¯s fueled by rage and a desire for vengeance, and it seemed like this was all there was to her for a good chunk of the storyline. she refused to take responsibility for her actions or just straight up tried to ignore the ramifications of what she¡¯d done. it¡¯s her way of coping, i know, but it made me struggle to see her as a three dimensional character. when she did acknowledge her guilt and recognized that, even in hatred, her actions were not completely justified ¡ª that¡¯s when she started growing on me. by the end of this book, she¡¯s changed quite a bit. at first lost and without a purpose, she chooses to join the republic and takes orders from vaisra so that she has a scapegoat of sorts and won¡¯t blame herself when things go wrong. but her confidence and resolve are palpable in the last few pages, and it¡¯s clear she¡¯s finally found a cause worth spearheading. despite my initial issues with rin, she¡¯s an interesting and complex character, and i find myself especially drawn to her friendship with kitay and her dynamic with chaghan. the way kitay immediately agreed to the anchor bond? the way she sees him as the last good thing left in the world?? im never getting over them. and i love love love that chaghan always challenges rin. it's so refreshing to see someone provide rational counterarguments to her impulsiveness and need for revenge. he¡¯s blunt, and a little bit of an asshole, but the book wouldn¡¯t be the same without him.
¡ª
screaming crying throwing up i¡¯m never recovering from this ? full rtcthey are so epiphany and my tears ricochet coded pls send help
¡ª
ready for the emotional damage ??
i just read the prologue(?) and i am not okay ?ur telling me there¡¯s 650 pages of this????
this is one of my favorite reads of 2024 (so far), and i knew the instant i started that this book was going to be life changing. i¡¯m picky with my five star ratings, but this deserves it for so many reasons, most notably: 1) i felt every emotion ¡ª from rage and hurt and fear to hope and relief and even contentment (though those last few may have been short lived), and 2) longevity ¡ª i haven¡¯t stopped (and likely won¡¯t ever stop) thinking about this story and these characters. i have such a soft spot for books that move me and make me feel so intensely on behalf of people who are simply figments of our imaginations ¡ª that is real talent, and my god is this book a paragon of that.
[the rest of this review contains spoilers, though they are mostly out of context. if you would like to go into this book/series knowing as little as possible, do not read further.]
there is quite a bit of controversy about the first installment of this series. from what i¡¯ve read, the poppy war was not so much inspired by history as copy and pasted with minor alterations. but this book felt more inventive ¡ª with the anchor bond between rin and kitay, feylen¡¯s role in the war, and nezha¡¯s shamanic abilities being some examples. it felt both inspired (as opposed to borrowed) and original, and the storyline completely captivated me. in an interesting but unsurprising turn of events, with the federation mostly gone, the empire falls into a state of unrest and different groups vie for power ¡ª and you know what that means: civil war. we, along with rin, discover the truth about past events, about the previous poppy wars, about the trifecta, about the mugenese and the hesperians. and through it all, rf kuang¡¯s message reverberates with clarity ¡ª imperialism robs people of their culture and identity, breeds violence and deep seated resentment, and has catastrophic consequences for both the colonized and the colonizers. i particularly love the way kuang writes about war. she shows how nuanced it is, intertwined not only with politics and power but also pride and revenge. there are no heroes in this story. everyone is a villain in someone else¡¯s eyes. everyone has committed atrocities. everyone is guilty, and it is futile to argue against that truth.
as for the characters, i wasn¡¯t completely enamored with rin, at least for the first half of the book, like i expected to be. i really liked her in the first book, but i felt sort of indifferent to her throughout many parts of this one. sometimes she¡¯s so hotheaded and single minded that it makes her character feel almost petulant. i get that she¡¯s still so young with an inordinate amount of power, but it was frustrating to read about at times. she¡¯s fueled by rage and a desire for vengeance, and it seemed like this was all there was to her for a good chunk of the storyline. she refused to take responsibility for her actions or just straight up tried to ignore the ramifications of what she¡¯d done. it¡¯s her way of coping, i know, but it made me struggle to see her as a three dimensional character. when she did acknowledge her guilt and recognized that, even in hatred, her actions were not completely justified ¡ª that¡¯s when she started growing on me. by the end of this book, she¡¯s changed quite a bit. at first lost and without a purpose, she chooses to join the republic and takes orders from vaisra so that she has a scapegoat of sorts and won¡¯t blame herself when things go wrong. but her confidence and resolve are palpable in the last few pages, and it¡¯s clear she¡¯s finally found a cause worth spearheading. despite my initial issues with rin, she¡¯s an interesting and complex character, and i find myself especially drawn to her friendship with kitay and her dynamic with chaghan. the way kitay immediately agreed to the anchor bond? the way she sees him as the last good thing left in the world?? im never getting over them. and i love love love that chaghan always challenges rin. it's so refreshing to see someone provide rational counterarguments to her impulsiveness and need for revenge. he¡¯s blunt, and a little bit of an asshole, but the book wouldn¡¯t be the same without him.
¡ª
screaming crying throwing up i¡¯m never recovering from this ? full rtc
¡ª
ready for the emotional damage ??
i just read the prologue(?) and i am not okay ?
Want to read
July 20, 2023anyone else feel like they can read exactly 2 long fantasy novels per year? or am i just becoming illiterate
November 15, 2020
¡°Rin was so tired of having to proof her humanity.¡±
I¡¯m taking a fantasy hiatus. I can¡¯t remember the last time a book had me fuming like this.
The Burning God better live up to its title. I¡¯m looking forward to seeing certain people die a wonderful and slow death. Yes, I now have a death wish-list.
Disclaimer to all those that haven¡¯t read this series but still want to: I¡¯d advise you, DON¡¯T! But, if you REALLY want to, then do yourselves a favour and don¡¯t get attached to no one. Trust me when say I am sparing you off unnecessary and cruel pain.
I¡¯m questioning whether it¡¯s even a good idea to continue reading this series at this point. As much as I enjoy being tortured by a book, this series takes it to another level and quite frankly, I am just not sure whether I want to put myself through this kind of abuse.
I don¡¯t even know how R.F. Kuang wrote this with a straight face. There¡¯s no way her feelings were present when she wrote certain scenes. It just isn¡¯t possible.
I¡¯ll be in mourning now. Over and out.
I¡¯m taking a fantasy hiatus. I can¡¯t remember the last time a book had me fuming like this.
The Burning God better live up to its title. I¡¯m looking forward to seeing certain people die a wonderful and slow death. Yes, I now have a death wish-list.
Disclaimer to all those that haven¡¯t read this series but still want to: I¡¯d advise you, DON¡¯T! But, if you REALLY want to, then do yourselves a favour and don¡¯t get attached to no one. Trust me when say I am sparing you off unnecessary and cruel pain.
I¡¯m questioning whether it¡¯s even a good idea to continue reading this series at this point. As much as I enjoy being tortured by a book, this series takes it to another level and quite frankly, I am just not sure whether I want to put myself through this kind of abuse.
I don¡¯t even know how R.F. Kuang wrote this with a straight face. There¡¯s no way her feelings were present when she wrote certain scenes. It just isn¡¯t possible.
I¡¯ll be in mourning now. Over and out.
May 12, 2022
i¡¯m not reviewing this bullshit fuck you
February 9, 2025
4.75 stars
The Dragon Republic picks up right where The Poppy War left off, following Rin, a shaman and warrior, as she struggles with the devastating aftermath of the Poppy Wars. Having committed atrocities during the conflict, Rin is now burdened with overwhelming guilt, addiction, and the wrath of the Phoenix¡ªthe god who granted her immense, volatile power. As she embarks on a path of vengeance, she allies herself with the Dragon Warlord, a leader determined to overthrow the Empress and establish a new republic. But as Rin becomes more entangled in the political and military battles shaping Nikan¡¯s future, she begins to question not only the true motivations of those around her but also the cost of the immense power she wields.
? It¡¯s rare for a series to improve with each instalment, but Kuang pulls it off effortlessly¡ªThe Dragon Republic left me absolutely blown away, even more so than The Poppy War. The pacing is tight, the narrative never falters, and the story unfolds seamlessly, even though this instalment is longer than the first. The complexity of the plot and character arcs deepens considerably. While The Poppy War balanced a coming-of-age fantasy with the grim realities of war, The Dragon Republic it dives fully into the darker, more complex realms of military strategy, shifting alliances, and the emotional devastation of conflict. Gone are the battle school elements that shaped the first book; in their place is an intricate exploration of political intrigue, betrayal, and the emotional and physical toll of war.
Kuang¡¯s writing has really evolved since The Poppy War. At almost 700 pages, The Dragon Republic might look intimidating at first, but trust me, it never drags. Every page feels important, and the tension is always there, even in the slower moments. There¡¯s this constant sense that something is about to happen, and just when you think you¡¯ve got a breather, she throws in a twist that keeps you hooked. The second half of the book¡ªespecially the last few chapters is like a rollercoaster, pushing you to the edge with its breakneck pace and emotional gut punches.
Fang Runin - One of the strongest elements of this novel is Rin¡¯s emotional and psychological journey. No longer the impulsive, rage-driven character from the first book, Rin is now a more complex, multi-faceted figure. The trauma of the Poppy Wars weighs heavily on her, and while her anger still burns brightly, she must confront the true cost of her past actions and the immense power she has inherited. Her internal conflict, particularly her struggle with addiction and guilt, is devastating to witness. What makes Rin so compelling is her raw vulnerability and her refusal to conform to the ¡°perfect hero¡± mold. She¡¯s messy, flawed, and her healing process is anything but linear¡ªoften leading her down darker paths that make her journey feel even more authentic.
°¾±³Ù²¹²â¡¯²õ arc, in particular, has left a lasting mark on me. He is no longer the lighthearted, naive kid from the first book¡ªwhat remains is a tempered, burdened, and far more complex version of him. The growth he undergoes in this book is nothing short of stunning, and by the end of it, I found myself completely captivated by the depth of his character. His intelligence, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to Rin make him such an admirable figure.
±·±ð³ú³ó²¹¡¯²õ storyline is equally compelling, though filled with emotional turmoil. Throughout the first book, I rooted for him, and seeing his growth in this book was incredibly satisfying. I couldn¡¯t help but notice the foreshadowing with fire and water not mixing¡ªit left me bracing for what was to come. His internal conflict, torn between duty, grief, and the pursuit of power, makes him a tragic figure. The tension between Nezha and Rin is palpable, with their struggles mirroring each other in a way that adds depth to their dynamic.
The Dragon Republic is an exceptional continuation of Rin¡¯s journey in The Poppy War series. The stakes are higher, the characters more complex, and Kuang¡¯s storytelling has only grown more sophisticated. The political intrigue, the emotional depth, and the relentless brutality of war are woven together in a way that makes this book impossible to put down.
Kuang has transformed the foundation laid in The Poppy War into a much darker, richer story, exploring the true cost of power, the complexities of loyalty, and the weight of survival. The political landscape of Nikan, the crushing consequences of war, and Rin¡¯s personal battles all come together to create a powerful, unforgettable experience.
¡°Fire and water looked so lovely together. It was a pity they destroyed each other by nature.¡±
The Dragon Republic picks up right where The Poppy War left off, following Rin, a shaman and warrior, as she struggles with the devastating aftermath of the Poppy Wars. Having committed atrocities during the conflict, Rin is now burdened with overwhelming guilt, addiction, and the wrath of the Phoenix¡ªthe god who granted her immense, volatile power. As she embarks on a path of vengeance, she allies herself with the Dragon Warlord, a leader determined to overthrow the Empress and establish a new republic. But as Rin becomes more entangled in the political and military battles shaping Nikan¡¯s future, she begins to question not only the true motivations of those around her but also the cost of the immense power she wields.
? It¡¯s rare for a series to improve with each instalment, but Kuang pulls it off effortlessly¡ªThe Dragon Republic left me absolutely blown away, even more so than The Poppy War. The pacing is tight, the narrative never falters, and the story unfolds seamlessly, even though this instalment is longer than the first. The complexity of the plot and character arcs deepens considerably. While The Poppy War balanced a coming-of-age fantasy with the grim realities of war, The Dragon Republic it dives fully into the darker, more complex realms of military strategy, shifting alliances, and the emotional devastation of conflict. Gone are the battle school elements that shaped the first book; in their place is an intricate exploration of political intrigue, betrayal, and the emotional and physical toll of war.
Kuang¡¯s writing has really evolved since The Poppy War. At almost 700 pages, The Dragon Republic might look intimidating at first, but trust me, it never drags. Every page feels important, and the tension is always there, even in the slower moments. There¡¯s this constant sense that something is about to happen, and just when you think you¡¯ve got a breather, she throws in a twist that keeps you hooked. The second half of the book¡ªespecially the last few chapters is like a rollercoaster, pushing you to the edge with its breakneck pace and emotional gut punches.
¡°People will seek to use you or destroy you. If you want to live, you must pick a side. So do not shirk from war, child. Do not flinch from suffering. When you hear screaming, run toward it.¡±
Fang Runin - One of the strongest elements of this novel is Rin¡¯s emotional and psychological journey. No longer the impulsive, rage-driven character from the first book, Rin is now a more complex, multi-faceted figure. The trauma of the Poppy Wars weighs heavily on her, and while her anger still burns brightly, she must confront the true cost of her past actions and the immense power she has inherited. Her internal conflict, particularly her struggle with addiction and guilt, is devastating to witness. What makes Rin so compelling is her raw vulnerability and her refusal to conform to the ¡°perfect hero¡± mold. She¡¯s messy, flawed, and her healing process is anything but linear¡ªoften leading her down darker paths that make her journey feel even more authentic.
°¾±³Ù²¹²â¡¯²õ arc, in particular, has left a lasting mark on me. He is no longer the lighthearted, naive kid from the first book¡ªwhat remains is a tempered, burdened, and far more complex version of him. The growth he undergoes in this book is nothing short of stunning, and by the end of it, I found myself completely captivated by the depth of his character. His intelligence, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to Rin make him such an admirable figure.
±·±ð³ú³ó²¹¡¯²õ storyline is equally compelling, though filled with emotional turmoil. Throughout the first book, I rooted for him, and seeing his growth in this book was incredibly satisfying. I couldn¡¯t help but notice the foreshadowing with fire and water not mixing¡ªit left me bracing for what was to come. His internal conflict, torn between duty, grief, and the pursuit of power, makes him a tragic figure. The tension between Nezha and Rin is palpable, with their struggles mirroring each other in a way that adds depth to their dynamic.
The Dragon Republic is an exceptional continuation of Rin¡¯s journey in The Poppy War series. The stakes are higher, the characters more complex, and Kuang¡¯s storytelling has only grown more sophisticated. The political intrigue, the emotional depth, and the relentless brutality of war are woven together in a way that makes this book impossible to put down.
Kuang has transformed the foundation laid in The Poppy War into a much darker, richer story, exploring the true cost of power, the complexities of loyalty, and the weight of survival. The political landscape of Nikan, the crushing consequences of war, and Rin¡¯s personal battles all come together to create a powerful, unforgettable experience.
January 3, 2021
For the last few days this book has taken over my life. When I wasn¡¯t reading late into the night, I was constantly thinking about it or discussing it with my friends.
I was hoping The Dragon Republic would floor me exactly the way The Poppy War did. Astonishingly, it did more than that. Reading this book was nothing short of exhilarating.
From page one it did not let up. I was in a constant state of anxiety waiting for the next twist and turn. Every new reveal, betrayal and manipulation gave me whiplash. I was left gasping, more astounded than before.
Kuang did not pull any punches. The action was head-spinning and the violence (which often left me feeling nauseous) was rendered in such an authentic and appropriate way to each scene.
Knowing that Kuang draws from real sources of Chinese history makes the brutality reflected in the pages hit you harder than ever.
The author painted a beautiful picture as she expanded the world building and history of Nikan. She delivered the politics and military strategy in a fresh and riveting way that had me on tenterhooks, desperate to know more. I especially loved reading the naval battle scenes which were so very vivid.
In between this harsh landscape Kuang gives us funny and tender moments that I hoarded with a protective ferocity akin to a dragon hoarding gold.
The cast of characters consisted of new and old faces ¡ª each distinct and with apparent flaws.
The trauma and psychological side effects suffered by all was shown so well. The old cast from book one has changed so much after everything they¡¯ve endured, each coping (or not coping) in their own way.
At the beginning of the book Rin is in an extremely dark place. She¡¯s struggling to deal with grief and guilt while trying to escape Altan¡¯s ghost and losing the battle against her opium addiction. The only thing she has to hold onto is her rage and her need for revenge. This left her vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation. Even though our girl makes some terrible decisions I still want the best for her and I remain hopeful.
I especially loved Kitay in this one. The sweet cinnamon roll of a boy he was in book one is no more. He has been hardened by war and haunted by Golyn Niis. Now he is filled with a quiet fury which he pours into everything he dedicates himself to. He is such a good friend to Rin, and I will not recover if some terrible happens to him in the next book.
The ending was an unexpected stab in the heart. I could not believe what I was reading. I read it several times in fact just to make sure I wasn¡¯t hallucinating. A chant of ¡°no no no¡± did not stop me from careening head first into the twist so cleverly layed out.
After, I lay in the dark, speechless and dazed. Unable to form a coherent thought, my mind churning and a stampede of emotions running through my whole body.
If I look back now to everything that happened in this single book, it was A LOT¡ª but it was all so well executed and put together.
I am counting the hours till I can read the final book. I have no doubt that Kuang is going to deliver a sizzling conclusion to this already mind blowing series.
CONTENT WARNINGS: violence, murder, genocide, rape, self harm, mutilation, human experimentation
Buddy read with Ameerah & Warda
___
Read my reviews for
Book 1: The Poppy War
___
I'm a mixture of excited anticipation and shaking-in-my-boots terrified.
Wish me luck ?
I was hoping The Dragon Republic would floor me exactly the way The Poppy War did. Astonishingly, it did more than that. Reading this book was nothing short of exhilarating.
From page one it did not let up. I was in a constant state of anxiety waiting for the next twist and turn. Every new reveal, betrayal and manipulation gave me whiplash. I was left gasping, more astounded than before.
Kuang did not pull any punches. The action was head-spinning and the violence (which often left me feeling nauseous) was rendered in such an authentic and appropriate way to each scene.
Knowing that Kuang draws from real sources of Chinese history makes the brutality reflected in the pages hit you harder than ever.
¡°The world is chaotic and war is fundamentally unpredictable and at the end of the day you don¡¯t know who will be the last man standing. You don¡¯t know anything going into a battle. You only know the stakes.¡±
The author painted a beautiful picture as she expanded the world building and history of Nikan. She delivered the politics and military strategy in a fresh and riveting way that had me on tenterhooks, desperate to know more. I especially loved reading the naval battle scenes which were so very vivid.
In between this harsh landscape Kuang gives us funny and tender moments that I hoarded with a protective ferocity akin to a dragon hoarding gold.
The cast of characters consisted of new and old faces ¡ª each distinct and with apparent flaws.
The trauma and psychological side effects suffered by all was shown so well. The old cast from book one has changed so much after everything they¡¯ve endured, each coping (or not coping) in their own way.
The anger was a shield. The anger helped her to keep from remembering what she¡¯d done. [¡] She was afraid that if she stopped being angry, she might crack apart.
At the beginning of the book Rin is in an extremely dark place. She¡¯s struggling to deal with grief and guilt while trying to escape Altan¡¯s ghost and losing the battle against her opium addiction. The only thing she has to hold onto is her rage and her need for revenge. This left her vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation. Even though our girl makes some terrible decisions I still want the best for her and I remain hopeful.
I especially loved Kitay in this one. The sweet cinnamon roll of a boy he was in book one is no more. He has been hardened by war and haunted by Golyn Niis. Now he is filled with a quiet fury which he pours into everything he dedicates himself to. He is such a good friend to Rin, and I will not recover if some terrible happens to him in the next book.
The ending was an unexpected stab in the heart. I could not believe what I was reading. I read it several times in fact just to make sure I wasn¡¯t hallucinating. A chant of ¡°no no no¡± did not stop me from careening head first into the twist so cleverly layed out.
After, I lay in the dark, speechless and dazed. Unable to form a coherent thought, my mind churning and a stampede of emotions running through my whole body.
If I look back now to everything that happened in this single book, it was A LOT¡ª but it was all so well executed and put together.
I am counting the hours till I can read the final book. I have no doubt that Kuang is going to deliver a sizzling conclusion to this already mind blowing series.
CONTENT WARNINGS: violence, murder, genocide, rape, self harm, mutilation, human experimentation
Buddy read with Ameerah & Warda
___
Read my reviews for
Book 1: The Poppy War
___
I'm a mixture of excited anticipation and shaking-in-my-boots terrified.
Wish me luck ?
December 6, 2019
The Poppy War left me wondering if the author would be able to follow up a solid first entry, or would it be another franchise with a promising start that rapidly fizzled out.
I am very happy to say that The Dragon Republic did not only match its predecessor but exceded the bar set. With TDR, Kuang has become an author I plan to watch for any and all releases from.
Full Review Here:
I am very happy to say that The Dragon Republic did not only match its predecessor but exceded the bar set. With TDR, Kuang has become an author I plan to watch for any and all releases from.
Full Review Here:
April 24, 2025
Society if nezha just kissed her instead>>>>
¡°??? ????? ???? ??? ??,¡± ??? ????. ¡°?¡¯? ????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ??? ?? ??? ?????.¡±
????? ? ?????, ????? ??????. ¡°????. ???? ??¡¯?? ?? ?? ??? ??????? ??? ????????? ???????? ????? ?? ??? ?????.¡±
¡°????¡¯?? ??? ??? ????????? ????? ?? ??? ?????,¡± ??? ??????? ??? ???? ??????? ??? ?????. ¡°? ??.¡±
The dragon against the Phoenix!
Also, thank God this series doesn¡¯t have the second book syndrome.
¡°??? ????? ???? ??? ??,¡± ??? ????. ¡°?¡¯? ????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ??? ?? ??? ?????.¡±
????? ? ?????, ????? ??????. ¡°????. ???? ??¡¯?? ?? ?? ??? ??????? ??? ????????? ???????? ????? ?? ??? ?????.¡±
¡°????¡¯?? ??? ??? ????????? ????? ?? ??? ?????,¡± ??? ??????? ??? ???? ??????? ??? ?????. ¡°? ??.¡±
The dragon against the Phoenix!
Also, thank God this series doesn¡¯t have the second book syndrome.
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