Dragon Republic

Don't really want to get into the story too much because it'll be spoilerly, but the book was no less sad than the first. So much death and heartbreak and pain. So much nauseating detail. But also a lot of heart and commitment. I love it. I know my heart is going to be smashed apart in Book 3.

I will say that the Hesparians definitely function quite well in their role of representing "the West" in this fictional story. I also appreciated the nuance brought to conversations about Mugen (inspired by Imperial Japan). Just so good.

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"!!!!!