5/5
TW: Kuang actually compiled a list of triggers on her blog!
What a book. I think this might be the best fantasy I’ve read yet this year. This book is so epic, so great, so enthralling that it was hard to put down. (Except at one point, which I’ll talk about later.)
The plot follows young Rin getting into the most prestigious academy to learn how to fight and be a soldier. She goes to school, discovering things about herself along the way. And then, as happens in fantasy series, war breaks out.
It’s broken into three parts, all of them getting darker and darker. I’m not lying about it getting dark. Melanie’s review actually gets more in-depth about what triggers are in the book, but I also linked to Kuang’s own list. It’s tough because the content starts very early in the book. Rin is from the south, so it covers the racism of north versus south, both with skin color and poverty. Each part is amazing in its own way, whether it’s school or war that’s going on.
The world was absolutely fascinating, too. I loved making connections to the real-life Asian countries that it’s based off. The connections aren’t 100%, of course. Nikara is a lot like China and the Mugen like Japan. Again, I’m not saying they are exact parallels, but they’re there. And, as basically all reviews that I’ve read have said, this is based off the Rape of Nanking.
Finally, the characters are great. No, I’m serious. I thought that I’d find Rin to be like another Lila Bard. Annoying and fake gruff and just making stupid, impulsive choices because she’s “strong”. Sure, Rin was impulsive but she was smart at the same time. I absolutely loved watching her develop from a poor girl with ambitions to a young woman with ambitions who has also gone through a huge change.
Now, we get to the part I’ve hinted at. The triggers. Now, none of the content that is named is necessarily a trigger for me. But, Kuang doesn’t shy away from it. When I read the chapter that is based on the Rape of Nanking, I began crying. Absolutely crying. I had to put down the book. I couldn’t finish my reading goal for the day. I had to just put it down and I distracted myself. Hell, when the next day came and I knew I had to read it, I was afraid to read it because of how bad it had been.
Yet, that single chapter is the worst part of the book, but it sets the tone for the rest of it. If you want to know the specific chapter, feel free to comment and I’ll tell you. I wish I had known the chapter because I was shocked when I got to it and how bad it was. I’d even hazard to say that if you are severely triggered by anything with rape, death, and mutilation you skip the chapter. If you’re familiar with what happened during the Rape of Nanking, then you will know exactly what the chapter describes in more of a first-hand account.
That warning being given, this book is amazing. I was incredibly impressed with this debut author because it didn’t feel like a debut. It felt so polished and fantastic. Watching Rin develop was a joy. Reading the plot was fantastic. I loved how it drew on Asian cultures that I could actually name and understand.
All in all, perhaps my favorite fantasy of the year.
What’s your favorite high/epic fantasy?
Are you planning on checking this one out?
Great review! I can’t wait to read The Poppy War myself since I’ve heard only great things about it and your review made me even more interested in it! ❤
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Thank you! (And this went to my spam box for some reason so I just saw it.) I hope that you love it when you get to it! It’s an absolutely enthralling book.
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I’ve seen this book everywhere and it’s on my TBR list but I keep hearing really good feedback, and this amazing review just cemented my desire to get my hands on a copy! Thanks for the heads up about the content, I don’t want to shy away from terrible topics but a warning always makes it easier to deal with.
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Yay!! I’m so glad. Because I was enthralled by this whole book. It doesn’t shy away from any of the topics. If you want to know exactly when it happens — because I only knew roughly what part it was in, not the exact chapter — let me know and I’ll say!
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I have yet to read this! I have a copy but I am still getting into the right headspace for it.
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Whenever you get in that right headspace, I hope you enjoy it! And, it’s not until one of the last chapters of the book, too.
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I’ll keep that in mind
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I so need to read this book.
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Do it! You won’t regret it. (Or I hope you won’t.)
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Awh, thank you for the link, my love(s)! Seriously, this book is such a masterpiece! The more I think about it, the more I like it! I hope your next read holds up! Hehe! Happy reading! 💗xx
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I really enjoyed it and now I just need the second book whenever it comes out. It’s a great epic fantasy for sure! Thanks for reviewing it so I was able to know about it!
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Great review!! I’m so excited for this book!
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Thank you! I hope you love it and I can’t wait to see your thoughts on it!
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This one appeared on my radar really suddenly, but it seems like everyone is talking about it now. It sounds like quite a good read, and your review has definitely sparked my interest, so I’m going to put it on my wishlist for buying books once my book ban has ended in October 😀
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Yessss! I’m so glad that this book is getting some love!! Okay, I need to put myself on a ban, too, but this book is definitely going on my Christmas list! I hope you love it like I did!
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