The Dragon Republic by RF Kuang
Seeing as I normally have to thank Netgalley or the author for an ARC, this time I’d like to thank my local library for having this one, and to just thank libraries in general. Use your local library, people (where possible).
Anyway, I read the first book in this series a good while back (also thanks to my library), and while it was inconsistent, it was an enjoyable yarn all the same (here’s the review). That brings me to this one. It’s basically more of the same, without the Hogwartsy bit.
The Poppy Wars are over, but a new war is brewing, as the new Dragon Republic aims to take on the Empress and bring democracy to Nikan. But early on, an ill-advised meeting with Empress loses Rin her access to the fire, making her nothing but an average soldier. In addition, the Muganese are still causing trouble in the south, and the dreaded Hesparians make an appearance, but their motives are questionable. Here’s my thoughts on the book:
Worldbuilding
Carries on where it left off in book one. The world is great and certainly captures the Asian vibe it attempts to portray. The people, the food, clothing and scenery all evoke the imagery I, at least, associate with what I know of China. But there’s more, the armies, the boats and cities all continue in this vein.The Hesparians are something of an exaggeration of European settlers (invaders), but all the more effective for it. Still, most of this was on display in book one, but maintaining the status quo is certainly no bad thing.
Score – 4/5
Characters
You gotta love Rin, the lead character. Sure, she’s impetuous and prone to spectacular screw-ups, but she’s also smart and brave (and funny). When we meet her first, she’s an opium addict, struggling to control the phoenix inside of her. When that power is taken, she almost loses the will to live, but that is not Rin’s style. She soldiers on (literally), finding a way to recover her powers and (maybe) save the day. Many of the crew from the last book are back, including the usual suspects from Sinegard, and the Cike. Nesza’a father, who leads the army of the Dragon Republic, provides a father figure for Rin in a time of need, while the aforementioned Hesparians are a mix of boo-hiss villains and likeable fops. There is a problem here though – most of the side characters are terrific, and wouldn’t look out of place in The Water Margin, or some such show, but it’s the main characters, namely Rin and friends who rankle a little. The seem more 90210 at times. I guess teens have a similar vibe (or stereotype) everywhere, but it did bother me,
Score – 3.5/5
Plot
Best part of the book. While the plot of book one was fairly cut and dried, Rin’s head was spinning from the various plot shifts throughout. At every corner, allegiances are shifting, friends became enemies, and former enemies became, well, allies. If there is one niggle, the plot is a little slow to develop, but by the end of the book, everything you know about the series so far is in doubt. Or is it?
Score – 5/5
Writing
Pretty darn good, again. As mentioned, the worldbuilding evoked a fantasy image of China (and a hint of Mongolia), the characters for the most part were good, the plot was great. Sometimes, one could almost taste the food the characters were eating, or feel drunk (or stoned) as the characters were.
Score – 4/5
Personal Enjoyment
Good stuff. Dark and nasty at times, but funny and boasting an engaging plot.
Score – 4/5
Verdict
If you liked the Poppy War, you’ll probably loved the Dragon Republic.
Total Score – 20.5/25
