Tag: Ken Liu

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!

Great start to 2025

I wish I could call this penultimate book “the storm before the calm,” but it’s so action-packed that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

As I reached the final chapter, my stomach was in knots, filled with anticipation and dread for the characters I’ve grown to love. Liu’s storytelling continues to captivate, weaving intricate plots, intense action, and deeply emotional moments.

This book has set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion. It’s an exhilarating and nerve-wracking way to kick off my 2025 reading journey. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy, this series is a must-read!

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.

Short Review of an Epic Novel

This fantasy novel is not for the faint of heart. With hundreds of characters, a myriad of gods, and numerous kingdoms, you really need a supercomputer in your head to keep track of it all. It’s simply amazing how the author has crafted such a complex, rich, and magnificent world. I was able to focus on Kuni, Mata, and a handful of other characters, and that was enough for me to fully enjoy this incredible story. I particularly loved how it explores one of my favorite themes: what makes a good ruler. I’m looking forward to diving into the second book soon!