The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu

What I drank prior: uh… so I had 4 beers and then we left for a show and I had a yummy drink and a beer and then I came home and had another two beers.

Spoiler-free Overview: so this book spans a bunch o’ years. Like at least a decade. My manz Kuni just tryna live his life. My other manz Mata’s family was viciously murdered when the Emporer dude took over. Basically, Kuni is a fun-loving drunkish-dude (man after my own heart) who’s heart and life is changed by falling in love with his lady Jia. Mata is hashbrown vengeful. They come together in the uprising against the Emporer and things sort of go from there.

Spoiler-free Thoughts: This book was slow. Like super slow. BUT it was still incredible. The way the characters learn and change over the years is amazing. I really can’t wait for book 2, which is out, but seems like a project I’m not ready for yet.

Characters: This book is VERY character driven. I love them all really in their own way. Not a spoiler, it’s in the blurb, when Mata and Kuni endu p overthrowing The Man, they end up having different views on how to govern, but since we knew tem before, you could see both sides.

Side note: I loved how the women were treated in the narrative. I mean, they weren’t treated well by the characters, but Jia is so fierce and loving and I want someone like her in my life.

Plot: It’s ALL over time. This book spans a decade and like… where you are when the book starts… you’re like how did we friggen get here?! it’s so different. so. much. happens.

Writing Style: This is where this book shines. The writing style is gorgeous.

World Building: Very well executed.

What to pair it with: White wine. All of the white wine.

Rating: 3.6/5 Dandelion Shots.

Until next time, we remain forever drunkenly yours,
Sam