Paperback, 400 pages
English language
Published April 13, 2019 by HarperCollins Publishers Limited.
Rin's story continues in this acclaimed sequel to The Poppy War--an 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--the 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, …
Rin's story continues in this acclaimed sequel to The Poppy War--an 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--the 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.
Some annoying stuff in the historical metaphors, but it's a fun book
I am almost stunned to the point that words fail me to describe how great this book and this series is.
The Poppy Wars started this epic trilogy with sturdy foundations and the magnificence that belongs with the first act of a magnus opus. After the first half, it is difficult to let the book down.
But The Dragon Republic... Somehow - no, brilliantly-how - it gets better. It keeps getting better and better. I devoured this book as if tomorrow would never come.
I think I would have to write an essay on everything that I would like to praise on this book, but for this review, I'll settle on a few things:
1. If you are not reading/ haven't read The Poppy Wars trilogy, you are probably missing out on one of the greatest fantasy creations of all time. And I am dead serious on this one.
2. …
I am almost stunned to the point that words fail me to describe how great this book and this series is.
The Poppy Wars started this epic trilogy with sturdy foundations and the magnificence that belongs with the first act of a magnus opus. After the first half, it is difficult to let the book down.
But The Dragon Republic... Somehow - no, brilliantly-how - it gets better. It keeps getting better and better. I devoured this book as if tomorrow would never come.
I think I would have to write an essay on everything that I would like to praise on this book, but for this review, I'll settle on a few things:
1. If you are not reading/ haven't read The Poppy Wars trilogy, you are probably missing out on one of the greatest fantasy creations of all time. And I am dead serious on this one.
2. It is perfect if you think this world is hopeless. It is perfect if you don't think the world is hopeless. We need people like you, but looking into situations that look absolutely hopeless can be a good exercise.
3. The parallels and references to the real history of China are brilliant and absolutely f*cking gut wrenching. This book will let you observe what it is like to be belittled and de-humanised by the world, through symmetries and allusions. And they are so perfect.
4. I can't express enough how thankful I am to the author for creating this. I feel truly truly blessed.
There: my brain is drifting while processing all this experience that were the last few days of reading this book. The lack of eloquence is frustrating, but I know what I feel and I know how glad I am that I have read this, and this book will become another treasure in my mind. Not many things make sense these days; books this good make a difference.
Now, onto "The Burning God"!!!!!
