The Grace of Kings
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- USD 9.99
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- USD 9.99
Publisher Description
One of the Time 100 Best Fantasy Books Of All Time
Two men rebel together against tyranny—and then become rivals—in this first sweeping book of an epic fantasy series from Ken Liu, recipient of Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards. Hailed as one of the best books of 2015 by NPR.
Wily, charming Kuni Garu, a bandit, and stern, fearless Mata Zyndu, the son of a deposed duke, seem like polar opposites. Yet, in the uprising against the emperor, the two quickly become the best of friends after a series of adventures fighting against vast conscripted armies, silk-draped airships, and shapeshifting gods. Once the emperor has been overthrown, however, they each find themselves the leader of separate factions—two sides with very different ideas about how the world should be run and the meaning of justice.
Fans of intrigue, intimate plots, and action will find a new series to embrace in the Dandelion Dynasty.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
This long-awaited debut novel from Hugo Award winner Ken Liu marks a rousing departure from traditional fantasy epics. Inspired by the myths of ancient Asia rather than medieval Europe, The Grace of Kings is the story of an outlaw and a warrior who become friends, and then enemies, as an empire crumbles. A feast for the imagination, Liu’s vividly drawn and philosophically rich world took us—and the fantasy genre—to breathtaking new heights.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Hugo-winning short story author and translator Liu opens his ambitious first novel, which launches the Dandelion Dynasty epic fantasy series, with hefty helpings of political philosophy and violence. When the unpopular Emperor of Xana dies, leaving his unprepared 12-year-old son to take the throne, rebel factions across the empire seize the opportunity to strike blows for freedom. Encouraged by prophecies, picaresque bandit Kuni Garu quickly becomes an unlikely forerunner in the crowd of would-be rulers. He teams up with the scholar Luan Zya, who adds some wisdom to Kuni's usual flashy scheming, and the two join forces with warrior Mata Zyndu, last of the once-powerful Zyndu line, who believes it's his destiny to rule. The route to power is decidedly crooked, and the outcomes are very much in doubt. Liu seasons his fantastical Han Dynasty drama with plenty of intrigue, passion, bloodlust, and even a nod to historical feminism, against a backdrop of magical and technological marvels. Epic fantasy fans will enjoy this large-scale story of political strategy and skullduggery.
