Book description
R.F. Kuang's "The Dragon Republic" proves that successful fantasy doesn't require inventing entirely new worlds-sometimes the most powerful magic comes from reimagining our own history through a fantastical lens.
Following the devastating conclusion of "The Poppy War," we find protagonist Rin grappling with the consequences of her actions. Kuang doesn't offer easy redemption arcs or simple recovery from trauma. Instead, she presents a character whose opium addiction and psychological wounds feel genuinely rooted in her wartime experiences. This isn't fantasy sanitizing the horrors of conflict; it's fantasy confronting them head-on.
The author's academic background in Chinese studies enriches every page. Where other fantasy authors might rely on European medieval templates, Kuang draws from 20th-century Chinese history, creating a world where shamanic magic intersects with modern warfare and political revolution. The Dragon Warlord's campaign to overthrow the Empress becomes a complex examination of how idealistic movements can become corrupted by power.
What makes this audiobook particularly compelling is how Kuang balances intimate character development with epic scope. Rin's internal struggle between her desire for revenge and her growing awareness of the Phoenix god's influence creates genuine tension. The narrative doesn't shy away from showing how trauma can push someone toward increasingly dangerous choices, even when they believe they're fighting for justice.
Kuang demonstrates remarkable skill in making listeners care about characters who are morally ambiguous at best. The story challenges audiences to consider how nations are built and what individuals might sacrifice in their name. This isn't comfortable fantasy-it's the kind that leaves you questioning long after the final chapter ends.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience