Series: The Poppy War #2
Published by Harper Voyager on August 6, 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Military Fantasy
Pages: 560
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Publisher
In the aftermath of the Third Poppy War, shaman and warrior Rin is on the run: haunted by the atrocity she committed to end the war, addicted to opium, and hiding from the murderous commands of her vengeful god, the fiery Phoenix. Her only reason for living is to get revenge on the traitorous Empress who sold out Nikan to their enemies.
With no other options, Rin joins forces with the powerful Dragon Warlord, who has a plan to conquer Nikan, unseat the Empress, and create a new Republic. Rin throws herself into his war. After all, making war is all she knows how to do.
But the Empress is a more powerful foe than she appears, and the Dragon Warlord’s motivations are not as democratic as they seem. The more Rin learns, the more she fears her love for Nikan will drive her away from every ally and lead her to rely more and more on the Phoenix’s deadly power. Because there is nothing she won’t sacrifice for her country and her vengeance.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Dragon Republic is better than book one.
The Poppy War felt like an introduction to who Rin will become. It chronicles the period of Rin’s life as she discovers the injustices of the wider world through the experiences that fuel her to leave Tikany, her military studies at Sinegard, and her participation in the Third Poppy War. (Read my review here.) In comparison, The Dragon Republic is more focused. It addresses the aftermath of the events of The Poppy War as events move into the fight against the Empress and the foreign threat from Hesperia. It also explores Rin’s guilt over her role in ending the Third Poppy War and her feelings of inferiority as the Cike’s new commander.
I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the ships and naval warfare. Though I don’t have an interest in ships, the ships are described in such splendor and majesty that I felt Rin’s awe, and I empathized with a particular character’s joy as he talks about them. I won’t name him because of potential spoilers. The technical details about the ships and their functions lend credibility and believability. I could envision these ships taking over the country. (Though, of course, it can’t be that easy or there wouldn’t be a story.)
The Dragon Republic does have the same problems that I had with the first book. There is still some telling, especially towards the beginning of the book in establishing character motivations. Rin still burns hot and cold; she loves one moment and flames the next. Her emotions are in constant flux, and she often acts on them in the moment. Generally, this would be fine as a character flaw; the problem is that things either work out for Rin, or she finds another way to get what she wants. Her reason? She’s a Speerly. She can do whatever she wants.
I wouldn’t read this if you enjoy intricate world building. Even less is shown of Nikan’s culture in this book than the first book. This book does introduce the Hesperians, who are the equivalent of Westerners in this book, but their portrayal is colored by Rin’s hatred towards the foreign intervention.
I would read this if you enjoy books about the underdog gaining god-like powers and fighting against an unjust world. If you like a protagonist who feels strongly and isn’t afraid to act out on spur-of-the-moment emotions. Who is motivated by anger and vengeance. Who perceives injustice and fights against it without regard for the consequences. I would read this if you want to see a revolution in the making and a protagonist ready to set her enemies on fire.
Content Warning
Many of the characters are soldiers, battle-hardened warriors, or low-born. This means they will speak the straight hard truth without censor, and they have a colorful, if limited, vocabulary filled with four-letter words. War is also far from glorified in this novel. The characters see and experience many war horrors. Some I have described below, but I wasn’t taking notes as I read. Even if I did, there would be too many to share succinctly.
This book also negatively portrays Christianity and missionaries (or at least the equivalent of Christianity in this book). The Hesperians believe that the Nikata are lesser creatures; they also believe that the Maker is not All-Powerful and needs help to fight against chaos. They experiment on shamans to learn about chaos.
Content List: R-Rated
Chat With Me
📚 Have you read The Poppy War (book 1)?
📚 What are your thoughts on historical / military fantasies?
📚 What would you do if people you trusted betray you? Fight back like Rin or find another way, if possible, to resolve the conflict?
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
I read The Poppy War and loved some things about it but didn’t really love the writing or Rin TBH. I personally love military sci-fi so really thought I would adore the world more but not enough battles. I fear that the sequel would leave me feeling exactly the same way The Poppy War did. I really love supporting Asian authors but the individual books are too long for me to suffer through them. I loved how you wrote this review though Crystal. I knew right away that it would provide more of the same mixed feelings. ❤️
Crystal says
I feel the same way, Dani. There are elements I love but also elements that I can’t get behind. Rin reminds me a lot of more mainstream shonen protagonists, who appeal to the audiences through their underdog story, their god-like power ups, and the way they forcibly overthrow the powers that be. That’s a good point about military fantasies since the characters don’t remain on the warfront; it doesn’t feel like the focus of the book. I’m going to edit my recommendation section of the post.
I’m so glad that you could tell from my review how you’d feel about this book. ❤️
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader says
Can’t remember a book I’ve read like this. Even though I’m not too into military type stories, it does sound like a really interesting read. Thanks for trigger warnings btw.
Crystal says
Yes, this isn’t my typical type of read either, but the content is interesting. You’re welcome, Aleen! I try to list potential triggers I find in books.
Melissa (Books and Things) says
Sounds interesting and I really like that cover. I may have to consider trying the first one. I don’t mind the cussing. So nbd to me. 🙂
Crystal says
I love the cover for The Dragon Republic. It’s so beautiful ❤️ I hope you enjoy The Poppy War (book one), Melissa!
Grace Louise says
Wowww this review is so detailed, I haven’t heard of this book before but it sounds super interesting!! x
Grace Louise || http://www.gracelouiseofficial.blogspot.co.uk/
Crystal says
Thanks, Grace. Something I love about this book is how the author draws from modern Chinese history!