The Dragon Republic by R F Kuang (The Poppy War #2)

It irritates me when people have the mentality that one individual is intrinsically inferior to another. One of the most repulsive traits a person can have is the blatant arrogance of such a thought. War has been launched over all of these things by the small-minded and stupid, whether it be because of a slightly different shade of skin pigmentation, a preference for which obscure mythological book passage to follow, or which side of an imaginary line you were formed on. R. F. Kuang’s The Dragon Republic, in which Rin’s humanity is questioned because of her race and religious convictions, contains many of these horrifying themes. It is a compelling but depressingly well-known story that should not be missed.

“But I’ve seen how power works… It’s not about who you are, it’s about how they see you. And once you’re mud in this country, you’re always mud.”

Rin was still reeling from the effects of her decisions that put an end to the Third Poppy War when we last saw her. She has made it her duty to lead her Cike team in overthrowing this figurehead and exacting revenge on those responsible for the millions of Nikaran deaths after finding that a powerful individual betrayed her people. Three months after the Third Poppy War ends, the Dragon Republic is established, and Rin and her group of talented Cike allies are carrying out assassination missions for a pirate smuggler. Rin would be given enough ships and supplies as payment to make a raid on their target.

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Because things don’t go as planned, Rin is now being enlisted by a new ally who wants to establish a democratic republic in Nikara. Naturally, this is not a truly democratic republic; the only choice the populace has is whether to live or die. “Welcome to the new boss, same as the old boss,” Rin confronts her toughest problems yet in ensuring safety for herself and her people because allegiances are frequently put to the test and betrayals are around every corner.

The Dragon Republic jumps right into telling a tightly focused plot that lasts the duration of the book, making use of much of the world-building and mythology that has already been established. Although it’s difficult to avoid doing so, the inconsistent tonal swings of the previous book have been fixed in this sequel. Rin is constantly feeling the effects of this dismal environment. She has no sense of regret for her acts and uses her fury as a distraction from her thoughts. Her role as a soldier completely defines who she is. She clings to the nearest rebellious cause without fully understanding its history because she would not know what to do with her life if there was no battle to fight. Her conflict is personal, not political; she is motivated by her desire for vengeance rather than taking into account the larger concerns of people around her. It’s fascinating to observe Rin’s journey of self-discovery and purpose.

“In the heat of battle, human life could be reduced to the barest mechanics of existence—arms and legs, mobility and vulnerability, vital points to be identified, isolated, and destroyed.”

This is a tale of self-worth and tenacity, of finding meaning in life despite having your strengths taken away. It sheds light on some of the most repulsive traits of humans, traits that, regrettably, are still present in our modern society. This is a tale of tragedy and loss, hatred and hypocrisy, tenacity and success. When it comes to causing emotional devastation while delivering a compelling meditation on survival and battle, Kuang shines. Visit The Dragon Republic because it is an intriguing sequel to a groundbreaking premiere.