I almost gave this three stars, but I couldn't lie to myself. I devoured this book. While it's not the absolute revelation that The Poppy War was, The Dragon Republic is still a well-paced, action-packed fantasy that I have been looking forward to since I finished the first book.

My only complaints were that a lot of moments felt very fan service-y, and that Rin and Nezha's relationship is incredibly frustrating. While their friendship feels natural, I don't know if I believe that they could potentially have a romantic one. Certainly, I can see Nezha believing they could. But if I had to read about another instance of them love/hating each other, I was going to lose my mind.

The real scene stealer here is Su Daji. I can't wait for her to turn up again. She's probably one of Kuang's most compelling characters, simply based on the mythology built up around her.

Anyway, this book hasn't even been officially released yet and I am already anxious for the third.

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 ♥

This was absolutely fucking incredible. R. F. Kuang just keeps getting better, and I'm so excited but terrified for the third one. This was such a great sequel, probably even better than the Poppy War. Pick up this series if you haven't, and if you can handle the content.

If you did not read book number 1 "The Poppy War" you should read it before this one.
That book was a great read for me.
As for the 2nd book "The Dragon Republic" the story gets even better.
For all the fantasy readers, the book is packed with adventure, thrilling moments and soft "make me feel good" times between. It has simply everything.
I would strongly advise to read both books, but reading this book first - you can still grasp the story and see what had happened here.
Strong 4.5 stars for me.