This epic historical military fantasy is set in a fictionalized version of China's 20th century and is filled with treachery and magic. The story follows Rin, a young war orphan who has finally found a sense of freedom and purpose by passing the prestigious Keju test and entering the elite military school, Sinegard. However, being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the South, Rin faces numerous challenges and biases from her classmates, who are initially wary of her due to her color, poverty, and gender. Despite these obstacles, Rin discovers she possesses a unique and powerful gift - the ability to perform shamanic rituals.
As Rin delves deeper into the mysteries of her powers, she learns that the Nikara Empire, which has been at peace for years, is on the verge of war with its rival, the Federation of Mugen. Rin's shamanic powers may be the key to saving her people, but she soon realizes that mastering her abilities will come at a great personal cost. With the help of a seemingly unstable teacher and the use of psychoactive substances, Rin must navigate the treacherous world of Sinegard and confront the gods that she thought were long dead. Along the way, she must confront the consequences of her own identity and the darkness that lies within her. The novel is a thrilling tale of self-discovery, power, and the struggles of growing up in a society that often rejects those who are different.
The author, R.F. Kuang, draws heavily from modern Chinese history, weaving a narrative that is both imaginative and grounded in reality. Kuang's own experiences studying modern Chinese history inform her writing, and her use of Chinese mythology and cultural practices adds depth and richness to the story. As Rin navigates the complex world of Sinegard, she must confront the harsh realities of war, oppression, and the struggle for identity. With its breathtaking world-building and powerful protagonist, this novel is a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and anyone looking for a compelling story about self-discovery and empowerment.
I just finished reading this incredible book and I couldn't put it down. I was transported to a world that was both familiar and yet completely foreign, a world that was a fictionalized version of China's 20th century. The story is full of twists and turns, with characters that were both complex and relatable. I found myself drawn into the world of the book, where magic and power are a part of everyday life.
At its core, this book is a story about identity and self-discovery. The protagonist, Rin, is a young war orphan who has found a sense of purpose and belonging at a prestigious military school, but she's also faced with obstacles and biases that threaten to tear her apart. As she navigates the complexities of her powers and her place in the world, Rin must confront the harsh realities of war, oppression, and the struggle to find one's place in society. I couldn't help but think of my own experiences growing up, and how difficult it can be to find your place in the world when you're different from those around you.
One of the things that struck me most about this book was its ability to weave together history, mythology, and culture in a way that felt both authentic and imaginative. The author's use of Chinese mythology and cultural practices added depth and richness to the story, and I loved how it felt like I was learning about the world alongside Rin. The writing is beautiful, with a pace that's both quick and introspective, and the characters are multidimensional and complex. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fantasy, or anyone looking for a compelling story about self-discovery and empowerment.
Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
I just finished reading this incredible book and I couldn't put it down. The story follows Rin, a young war orphan who finds a sense of freedom and purpose by entering the elite military school, Sinegard, despite facing numerous challenges and biases from her classmates. As Rin discovers her unique power, she learns that it may be the key to saving her people, but mastering it will come at a great personal cost. With the help of a seemingly unstable teacher and the use of psychoactive substances, Rin must navigate the treacherous world of Sinegard and confront the gods that she thought were long dead. The author's use of Chinese mythology and cultural practices adds depth and richness to the story, making it a thrilling tale of self-discovery, power, and the struggles of growing up in a society that often rejects those who are different. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fantasy and anyone looking for a compelling story about self-discovery and empowerment. This book gets 5 out of 5 stars.