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shealea 's review for:
Steel Crow Saga
by Paul Krueger
Edit (as of 22 June 2020):
In line with my statement regarding the harassment allegations involving Paul Krueger, I am rescinding my support of Steel Crow Saga and the rest of his books. I have removed my rating accordingly, and I no longer recommend this book.
_______________________________
Note: I am an #ownvoices reviewer for the Filipino representation in this book.
ASIAN-CODED FANTASY WORLD THAT’S MAGICALLY SOULFUL (PUN INTENDED) & INCREDIBLY NUANCED
I am not exaggerating when I say that, in less than 10 pages, I immediately noticed that Steel Crow Saga directly pulls from Filipino culture (which was an extremely delightful surprise on my part as a Filipino). I am also not exaggerating when I say that, in less than 10 pages, I effortlessly fell in love with the world-building and all its wonderfully rich nuances. Specifically, within a world that’s quite reminiscent of our 1920s to 1930s era (wherein technology like cars, telephones, and radio exist), there are five nations — all of which are either loosely or heavily inspired by existing Asian cultures.
• Tomodanese (from Tomoda) – Coded after the Japanese.
• Sanbunas (from Sanbu Islands, which is later renamed as Republic of Sanbu) – Coded after Filipinos.
• Shang (from the Kingdom of Shang) – Coded after the Chinese.
• Jeongsonese (from Jeongson, which is a vassal state of Shang) – Coded after the Koreans.
• Dahali (from Dahal) – Coded after South Asians.
While there is certainly a generous sense of realism in its world-building, it also provokes tugs of heartwarming nostalgia. With strong vibes of Avatar: Legend of Korra (think about its setting and atmosphere) and Pokemon-esque companions, Steel Crow Saga is a loving ode to and glorious celebration of anime, which will probably steer many readers into reminiscing their favorite shows and unearthing their dusty videogame consoles.
PHENOMENAL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT & CHARACTER RELATIONSHIPS I WILL PROTECT WITH EVERY INCH OF MY LIFE
In creating a fictional world where queerness is normalized and inspiration is taken from real-life Asian cultures, Steel Crow Saga unsurprisingly provides a huge, unapologetically diverse cast of well-developed characters — all of whom are fascinating and compelling on their own individual merits. Even characters with major roles are casually queer (e.g. trans, gay) and come across as well-rounded, as if they have entire backstories just waiting to be revealed. The story’s unfolding is chiefly narrated by four main characters with differing (if not, occasionally conflicting) agenda, motivations, and personal demons.
AN IMPECCABLE BALANCE OF LAUGH-OUT-LOUD WIT & MUCH-NEEDED SOCIAL COMMENTARY
It comes as no surprise that Steel Crow Saga delves into the intricacies of colonialism, but what is both remarkable and valuable about Krueger’s approach is that the attack happens on both sides. The story examines the war and its aftermath from the perspectives of both the colonizer and the colonized, which results in a wonderfully nuanced and thorough critique of colonialism. Jimuro and Xiulan are extremely privileged and sheltered characters who are complicit to the horrific abuses and oppression unleashed by the two powerful conqueror nations (Tomoda and Shang, respectively). Given their uncomfortable position as colonizers, they have large blind spots in their perspectives of the war, which are repeatedly challenged, and they are forced to reconcile with the decades’ worth of blood on their hands. In contrast, Tala and Lee are victims who have suffered great losses from colonial power and yet they, too, are occasionally blinded by their own prejudices.
Arguably, Steel Crow Saga challenges, to some extent, the notion that there are winners and losers in war by shedding light on the casualties and sufferings experienced on both sides. It also addresses the critical role of hatred and prejudice in the cycle of violence. If I’m being honest, the dissection of colonialism, together with the recurring emphasis on restorative justice and active decolonization, that happens in Steel Crow Saga strongly resonated with me in a way that I have never, ever experienced from any other literature.
On a much lighter note, from the frequent repartee among the characters to the careful phrasings interwoven into the narrative, there is a generous amount of humor and laugh-out-loud wit sprinkled throughout the story. Moreover, there are also beautiful moments of lightheartedness and spiritedness that provide much-needed respites from the more hard-hitting themes and gritty portrayals.
POWERFULLY EVOCATIVE, HIGHLY INTELLIGENT, & DEEPLY PERSONAL
Steel Crow Saga is defiantly political. Nevertheless, it also touches on more individual- centered themes, such as personal ambition and vengeance, healing and forgiveness, and learning and unlearning. Another recurring theme that I personally found compelling is the idea of doing things to honor the memory of the loved ones we’ve lost.
Moreover, through the deliberate use of details – from contrasting philosophies about cuisine, to varying preferences in architectural design, to tiny nuances of rituals and ceremonies — Steel Crow Saga heavily emphasizes on cultural differences and how the complex interactions of different cultures can lead to all sorts of tension and conflict, such as microaggressions and open hostility.
Kruger’s writing style is powerfully evocative and highly intelligent. From his notable command of the language to his careful use of literary devices, it is evident that every word in this 500-page book is a deliberate choice and lends purpose to the grander narratives explored and examined within the story. At the same time, while the book certainly reflects the identity and cultural heritage of the author (note: Krueger is Filipino-American), its writing allows a few glimpses into Krueger’s personality and sense of humor as well. Thus, Steel Crow Saga is a unique, impactful story that is undeniably written with heart, but also with clear intention.
HIGHEST OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Although inspiration is clearly drawn from numerous well-loved franchises and existing Asian cultures, Steel Crow Saga is more than able to stand on its own as a unique and captivating fantasy adventure that offers a balanced mix of hilarious wit and social commentary. Its story revolves around the personal quests of each character against the backdrop of a hugely fragile, post-war world that is threatened by larger political forces. At its heart, however, Steel Crow Saga imparts a story about hope, healing, and justice. This stand-alone epic fantasy has easily claimed a spot on my favorite books, and I will undoubtedly, lovingly scream about Steel Crow Saga until my lungs completely collapse.
In line with my statement regarding the harassment allegations involving Paul Krueger, I am rescinding my support of Steel Crow Saga and the rest of his books. I have removed my rating accordingly, and I no longer recommend this book.
_______________________________
Note: I am an #ownvoices reviewer for the Filipino representation in this book.
ASIAN-CODED FANTASY WORLD THAT’S MAGICALLY SOULFUL (PUN INTENDED) & INCREDIBLY NUANCED
I am not exaggerating when I say that, in less than 10 pages, I immediately noticed that Steel Crow Saga directly pulls from Filipino culture (which was an extremely delightful surprise on my part as a Filipino). I am also not exaggerating when I say that, in less than 10 pages, I effortlessly fell in love with the world-building and all its wonderfully rich nuances. Specifically, within a world that’s quite reminiscent of our 1920s to 1930s era (wherein technology like cars, telephones, and radio exist), there are five nations — all of which are either loosely or heavily inspired by existing Asian cultures.
• Tomodanese (from Tomoda) – Coded after the Japanese.
• Sanbunas (from Sanbu Islands, which is later renamed as Republic of Sanbu) – Coded after Filipinos.
• Shang (from the Kingdom of Shang) – Coded after the Chinese.
• Jeongsonese (from Jeongson, which is a vassal state of Shang) – Coded after the Koreans.
• Dahali (from Dahal) – Coded after South Asians.
While there is certainly a generous sense of realism in its world-building, it also provokes tugs of heartwarming nostalgia. With strong vibes of Avatar: Legend of Korra (think about its setting and atmosphere) and Pokemon-esque companions, Steel Crow Saga is a loving ode to and glorious celebration of anime, which will probably steer many readers into reminiscing their favorite shows and unearthing their dusty videogame consoles.
PHENOMENAL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT & CHARACTER RELATIONSHIPS I WILL PROTECT WITH EVERY INCH OF MY LIFE
In creating a fictional world where queerness is normalized and inspiration is taken from real-life Asian cultures, Steel Crow Saga unsurprisingly provides a huge, unapologetically diverse cast of well-developed characters — all of whom are fascinating and compelling on their own individual merits. Even characters with major roles are casually queer (e.g. trans, gay) and come across as well-rounded, as if they have entire backstories just waiting to be revealed. The story’s unfolding is chiefly narrated by four main characters with differing (if not, occasionally conflicting) agenda, motivations, and personal demons.
AN IMPECCABLE BALANCE OF LAUGH-OUT-LOUD WIT & MUCH-NEEDED SOCIAL COMMENTARY
It comes as no surprise that Steel Crow Saga delves into the intricacies of colonialism, but what is both remarkable and valuable about Krueger’s approach is that the attack happens on both sides. The story examines the war and its aftermath from the perspectives of both the colonizer and the colonized, which results in a wonderfully nuanced and thorough critique of colonialism. Jimuro and Xiulan are extremely privileged and sheltered characters who are complicit to the horrific abuses and oppression unleashed by the two powerful conqueror nations (Tomoda and Shang, respectively). Given their uncomfortable position as colonizers, they have large blind spots in their perspectives of the war, which are repeatedly challenged, and they are forced to reconcile with the decades’ worth of blood on their hands. In contrast, Tala and Lee are victims who have suffered great losses from colonial power and yet they, too, are occasionally blinded by their own prejudices.
Arguably, Steel Crow Saga challenges, to some extent, the notion that there are winners and losers in war by shedding light on the casualties and sufferings experienced on both sides. It also addresses the critical role of hatred and prejudice in the cycle of violence. If I’m being honest, the dissection of colonialism, together with the recurring emphasis on restorative justice and active decolonization, that happens in Steel Crow Saga strongly resonated with me in a way that I have never, ever experienced from any other literature.
On a much lighter note, from the frequent repartee among the characters to the careful phrasings interwoven into the narrative, there is a generous amount of humor and laugh-out-loud wit sprinkled throughout the story. Moreover, there are also beautiful moments of lightheartedness and spiritedness that provide much-needed respites from the more hard-hitting themes and gritty portrayals.
POWERFULLY EVOCATIVE, HIGHLY INTELLIGENT, & DEEPLY PERSONAL
Steel Crow Saga is defiantly political. Nevertheless, it also touches on more individual- centered themes, such as personal ambition and vengeance, healing and forgiveness, and learning and unlearning. Another recurring theme that I personally found compelling is the idea of doing things to honor the memory of the loved ones we’ve lost.
Moreover, through the deliberate use of details – from contrasting philosophies about cuisine, to varying preferences in architectural design, to tiny nuances of rituals and ceremonies — Steel Crow Saga heavily emphasizes on cultural differences and how the complex interactions of different cultures can lead to all sorts of tension and conflict, such as microaggressions and open hostility.
Kruger’s writing style is powerfully evocative and highly intelligent. From his notable command of the language to his careful use of literary devices, it is evident that every word in this 500-page book is a deliberate choice and lends purpose to the grander narratives explored and examined within the story. At the same time, while the book certainly reflects the identity and cultural heritage of the author (note: Krueger is Filipino-American), its writing allows a few glimpses into Krueger’s personality and sense of humor as well. Thus, Steel Crow Saga is a unique, impactful story that is undeniably written with heart, but also with clear intention.
HIGHEST OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Although inspiration is clearly drawn from numerous well-loved franchises and existing Asian cultures, Steel Crow Saga is more than able to stand on its own as a unique and captivating fantasy adventure that offers a balanced mix of hilarious wit and social commentary. Its story revolves around the personal quests of each character against the backdrop of a hugely fragile, post-war world that is threatened by larger political forces. At its heart, however, Steel Crow Saga imparts a story about hope, healing, and justice. This stand-alone epic fantasy has easily claimed a spot on my favorite books, and I will undoubtedly, lovingly scream about Steel Crow Saga until my lungs completely collapse.