Tag: epic

Go read this series

I just finished Speaking Bones, the final book in the Dandelion Dynasty series. Just—wow. How does a human mind dream up such a vast array of deeply human characters and build a magnificent world around them? I’m simply amazed.

Our beloved—and not-so-beloved—characters return for this series finale. Théra across the sea, Phyro, Fara, Savo, Jia, Timu in Dara—each faces challenges that threaten their lives and dreams. Ken Liu masterfully brings four books’ worth of intricate plots to a satisfying and powerful conclusion, even weaving one of the gods back into the story.

I love that the heroes are engineers, using skill and ingenuity to fight their battles. There are many philosophical threads too, especially on what makes a good ruler, but the true beating heart of this series is its characters.

There’s one character, introduced way back in book one, who emerges as the lynchpin of the entire saga. Their arc is incredible—full of doubts, certainties, triumphs, and heartbreak. Several scenes broke my heart, but the resilience of these characters kept me going.

This series is epic in every sense of the word and absolutely worth the time. Highly recommend!

7 out of 5 rating

The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu deserves more than a 5-star rating—it’s an absolute masterpiece. While I loved The Grace of Kings, this sequel surpasses it in every way. The pacing is relentless from the first page and doesn’t let up, keeping you hooked until the very end.

The introduction of the emperor’s children and Zomi is handled brilliantly. Zomi’s mentor-apprentice relationship beautifully mirrors the Guru-Shishya dynamic in Indian culture, adding a rich, cultural layer to the story. The Lyucu’s introduction, told across two timelines, is seamlessly executed and adds depth to the narrative.

The battle scenes, especially the unforgettable Battle of Zuthin Gulf, are nothing short of epic. The characters—particularly the female ones like Jia, Thera, Komi, and Gin—are complex and compelling, while the intricate political intrigue and technological marvels enrich the story further. On top of all this, Liu introduces us to the awe-inspiring new world of Ukyu.

“If the young do not have radical ideas, the world will never change”

“Sentiment makes us fools, and yet, without sentiment, we would be little better than dumb instruments wielded by the gods in their incomprehensible games.”

This book is a triumph, surpassing The Grace of Kings in scope, intensity, and brilliance. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. It’s a true masterpiece.