after reading grace of kings, my only thought left was that in a past life ken liu must have been an actual wizard. only 1 book into the dandelion dynasty quartet and I’m obsessed and impressed!

my only nitpick is that this sometimes felt too much like reading a dense, historical account of an era in the fictional islands of dara. but even if you’re not a plot-focused reader, it’s pretty impossible not to appreciate liu’s skill in masterfully blending sweeping military fantasy, philosophy, and adventure. in the same breath he never misses a chance to flex his silkpunk novelties, court intrigue tactics, and action.

there’s plenty of unique characters in its huge ensemble to despise or adore, but the dynamic between kuni garu and mata zyndu was the beating heart of the drama and a real pleasure for me to get invested in. will definitely be back for more in the wall of storms once I regain my reading stamina 😅