I'm still thinking about this story. There was so much to think about. I love that the author is a Chinese history major, and so many little details and events in Chinese history are woven throughout the book. This is not a light read, and this book will make you feel something. I was intrigued at times with the Keju test and the military academy. Loved learning about lore and the spiritual and magical shamanism aspects to it. The harsh reality of war was woven throughout the book.

Spoiler

Reading about the child that got hit in the beginning of the book was harsh, but also a reality. If you injure someone, you pay for life. If you kill someone, you pay for the funeral. It's fucked up, but didn't feel too far off from reality. Later in the book when they enter the city that was taken over, and all of the bodies mutilated throughout the town had my gut wrenching. The author makes you feel that pain.

Rin really goes through this internal turmoil of wanting power or wanting justice, even if it is hypocritical at times. There are so many little things in this story that i'm still thinking about, and this was such an eye opening and good book. I'm already working through the second book and can't wait for the final book of the trilogy to be released this year!