The Grace of Kings (Spoiler Free Review) by Ken Liu

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥:

𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬:

𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐞:

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[brokenbandit]

I whole heartedly agree. I originally gave this book 4.5 stars, but I can't stop thinking about this book even years later. I have now bought the rest in the series, and I am ready to re-read this, and then continue on to the rest of the series! I have finished Ken's two short story collections (both are fantastic), with The Paper Menagerie" being my favorite short story collection of all time. Ken's writing style really fits my desires as a reader, and definitely is different. I think I loved this book so much because I love short stories. There are micro stories over the course of history that create the tapestry we know as our past, and this books approach to telling that history (though in a fantastical way) is right in line with why I love stories.

[vwkflynn]

This book got me back into reading fantasy! I read it when it first came out and fell in love. I look forward to your reviews of the rest of the series. It really is a masterpiece of a series.

[andrewf]

I finished the quartet this month and The Dandelion Dynasty might be my favorite series of all time. The series is incredible. So glad you enjoyed the first book. A lot of people say it's the weakest in the series, but I loved it. I will say that the next three books take a different direction and this first book is just a prelude to what's to come. I think Liu's storytelling improves and I have no idea how he came up with his ideas. Incredibly impressive fantasy writing. I feel like RF Kuang should read this series. In an interview she said she doesn't really read fantasy so she doesn't copy what others are doing, but after reading both The Poppy War and Babel, it really shows. The Poppy War is incredibly underwhelming compared to this masterpiece.

Also, I know you still need to read book 2, but I agree with the author that you should try to read books 3 & 4 as close to each other as possible. The publisher had to split the book because it was too big, but they weren't meant to be separate books. But it's a lot of committment. 2000+ pages, or 80 hours on audiobook lol. I read these by immersion and highly recommend that route as long as you don't mind Michael Kramer. I think he does a good job.

[angelamccollister]

So glad you loved this. In the series, Grace of Kings is my favorite. I've heard it described as this world's Illiad or Odyssey. I felt like I was reading the history and mythos of this world. The second book is my most favorite, but Grace of Kings is such a close second they are basically tied for me.

[Ribshack]

I actually just got a copy of this book to read at some point. Might have to move it up the list though as I hear more and more about how good the series is

[flyingsquirrel]

cant wait to hear ur ongoing thoughts with this series, I think ull either love or hate the direction it goes

[joshhodkinson]

This book is on my to-read list and after your review, I’m excited to get started with it.

[EnglishMooseBoy]

So glad you liked it. I think this series is fantastic and book 2 is better than book 1 as well as everyone else in the comments lol - so hyped for you to read the rest and hear your thoughts and praise.

[blacknbluecollarreader]

Matt!! STOP ADDING TO MY TBR!!!! Your gonna end up on my wife's ish list. I am currently formulating my argument to her on why I should buy a kindle and the money we will save. Cross your fingers!! Lol. Great review man!!

[elzbietasabat]

Greetings form Poland 😘 Thank for all your awsome YT works!!
I also adore The Grace of Kings and The Wall of Storms. But our polish publisher STOPS on second book... I hope someday watch your review 3 and 4 parts ❤️ or maybe I will be crazy and (for 1/6 of my salary) I'l buy books in english ;p

Are you familiar with "The Folding Knife" K.J. Parker? This is stand alone nowel. It is also political (little) fantasy book. The main character is a genius, economics/miliatary tactician and mathematician. In addition, he is so... manipulatives. And yet, I very, very sympathizes with him. I just wonder while I was reading ... how he will come out of the next crisis!? Such a underrated author in Poland also as Ken Liu...

PS Sorry for my english. Best regards!!

[JPMorgan]

This is my favorite series and I’m so glad it’s getting the love it deserves

[ghrochi]

I'm only 93 pages in and I'm having to force myself to stop because it's getting late. Planning to start testing earlier tomorrow because it's so good so early on.

[ashleyholbird]

If five warrior angels is a 10 on the grimdark scale how grim dark is grace of kings on a scale of 1 to 10

[aspirant]

This fantasy series didn't hold my interest; it appeared too sallow and bored. It's as if the author revised a 14th-century novel, "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, " and then published it under his own name. I think you should read the original novel instead of this one.

[jackwalter]

Just could not get into the first book. I found it too stiff and clunky.

[armbaria]

Really? And I've heard book 1 is the weakest book in the series too, definitely moving it up on my TBR list

[seanhalpin]

Also. Just an FYI. This is not asian inspired. It's American inspired according to ken liu

[nakkuzee]

Ken Liu is an amazing storyteller. Even his collection of short stories are masterpieces. He's one of my favorite authors right up there with Joe Abercrombie and Brando Sando.

[levianderson]

I got about 100 pages in and it just wasn't grabbing me

[MaedBetweenthePages]

The Dandelion Dynasty is currently my favorite fantasy series! I'm so glad you enjoyed the first one this much...I have a feeling it's only going to get better for you from here on out :)