The start of the narrative also defines, to some extent, the
path that the reader takes through it. An Emperor has forcefully united the
lands of a large archipelago, striving to bring the people together, to break
apart old bonds, and create something new. There are, of course, several
different factions that are unhappy about this, including what passes for the
remaining aristocracy of the islands, upset at losing their hereditary power
and privilege, and many of the more underprivileged as well – now resentful of
the harshness of Imperial rule, seeking a more equitable settlement.
From the above, Grace of Kings can be read as a story of
rebellion, of grand scale politics. But it’s also a very personal set of
stories. Both the above factions, along with several others, are led by strong
personalities. The way that they interact with each other is at the core of the
novel – one an aristocrat, consumed with duty, determined to return to a past
that is seen as glorious, where everyone knew their proper place – and the
other, a rogue, a man looking to the future, to make the world work better for
those without a voice, without anyone to speak for them. That these two men
become friends is something of a miracle – and Liu presents it to us
organically, slowly, letting the reader drink in the differences in the
personalities, the ways in which they clash and combine to make something great
as they struggle against the entrenched forces of a new Empire. But this
careful articulation of character also leaves questions about what may happen
if the two men succeed – personal friends, their agenda so radically different
that they can be driven into enmity. It’s a potent combination, and one which
makes for an intriguing read.
Given the grand scope of the plot, wrapping it up in these
personal tales is an excellent device - it gives each of the broader themes a
face, a personality. It helps, however, that the prose is absolutely
outstanding. In some areas – when depicting violence, for example, in grand or
small scale – it’s quite dry, not reveling in events, simply depicting them.
At other times – in personal conversations, in descriptions of surrounding
areas – it can be languid, drawing the reader into the created world, drawing a
vivid picture of somewhere that feels quite special. At others – portraying the
emotions between protagonists – it can be wire-taut, pressing down on the
reader with the tensions and ties between characters.
Grace of Kings is, itself, quite special. It’s carefully
formed a narrative of epic scope around an emotionally strong personal story.
Both these strands of thought are wrapped in a wonderfully drawn world,
perfectly pitched to blend existing narrative traditions in an exciting way.
In summary – Grace of kings is very much worth your time. I
went in not knowing what to expect, and was absolutely blown away. Definitely
worth a look.
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