i think what makes rf kuang's writing style so compelling is that she is very aware and educated on the things that she wanted to discuss in the story. she took the time to read and study so many resources to fully understand each element she wanted to incorporate in the books. and i believe that when you understand something very well, you can explain it easily in your own way and make others want to listen to what you have to say.
I read the burning god over the space of two days as we were driving back from our staycation holiday. I finished it about an hour away from home and then proceeded to stare out of the window for the rest of the journey as I literally couldn't bring myself to do anything else after.
I agree with how much history is westernized and how much they leave out. Im from the US and when I tell you our history curriculum is a joke...its a goddamn joke. As an African-American I am still learning about black peoples role in building this country and the suffering experienced and still being experienced. Even other cultures are barely or not touched on at all. I know nothing of Imperial China or Japan and I had to do my own research on Egyptian mythology and the African empires. Theres so much to learn and not enough they teach kids in school! And all for the sake of making colonizers look like the good guys.
Exactly, the only time I learned about other cultures was in a World History Honors class that the parents at my school tried to get taken off of the course list because it was "propaganda'. Why did they find it to be propgranda? Because it talked about Isla,, how it was made, and what it actually is so they got upset that instead of them being portrayed as crazy people they were portrayed as a peaceful religion and society that helped build the world as we know it.
YAS THE WRITING STYLE, I wasn't able to put it into words but it's just so clever and the transitions from certain scenes and just the overall flow, perfection
As a Latin American majoring in History, I totally agree about what you said on how westernalized our History is, like even here in Brazil we learn more about Europe than our own country. Also as someone who is mainly studying Persian History I can say that the system makes it very hard for anyone who doesn't want to study the "main stream" History, like my teacher literaly sent me an e-mail warning me about the difficulties I was going to face studying non Western History (He also studies Persia). And this reading vlog just made me more exited to read this trilogy. Hope it comes to Brazil soon. Sorry if there is any mistakes English is not my first language and I'm dyslexic
My heart is so happy that you loved this series, Joel! The tie-in to East Asian history is really what makes the series so phenomenal for me (and slightly existential). Rebecca's rise as one of SFF's greatest authors is only beginning, and I can't wait for her Dark Academia book ❤️
i been waiting for this one since i saw you finished it on gr. who needs sleep when theres joel. i really stan this coordinated outfit. i spy the rainbow sprayed edge book rack. If your interested in post colonialism in science fiction, theres a entire genre dedicated to it, I studied it at university, its called afrofuturism, I would recommend Why blacks should read (and write) science fiction by Charles R Saunders, as a kind of starting point.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE VLOG EVER! your predictions were very on point we were all 👀 in the gc ahdjdk also that frustrated "rebecaaa" speaks to my soul im really glad you loved this series 😭 (i recommend reading HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA next bc it will give you all the serotonin after all the tpw suffering)
kitay the strategic baby kinggg. love seeing the rollercoaster of emotions because gosh does this story take you through it. i'm ready and not ready for tbg.
I'm loving your vlogs, I'm currently on The Burning God and I'm loving it so much. The Poppy war was such a surprise for me because I didn't like it when I read it back in 2020 but now the more I read the more fascinated I become by R F Kuang's writing and word choice, everything she does is so incredible
When you said you were gunna read the characters guide at the back of the Dragon Republic, I started panicking. Cos I did that with a book once and it basically spoiled the book I was about to read, cos it was at the back so I guess they assumed I'd read the guide AFTER reading the book.
I’ve just got done reading the poppy war and gonna start reading the second book, and watching you read it and seeing you slowly break down throughout the story. I reached that same part where I just had to close the book and put it down and just wrap my head around everything and just cry a bit haha
when i read chapter 21 i was listening to it as an audio book which made it 100x worse. Never in my life have i felt genuinely sick to my stomach after reading a chapter until now. horrible so so so horrible
I was really intrigued by this trilogy before but know that I watched your reaction and how much you loved it I can't wait to pick it up and read it! Thanks always because after your videos, my TBR list grows more and more each time! 💙
I feel the dead eyes when you finished it when I read it for the first time I cried and sobbed and the I fel absolutely dead and drained. And every time I reread it I cry again.
Really interesting! Colourism is something my family struggle with a lot. I look forward to checking this out. I just read the tigers daughter and the phoenix empress. I love Asian inspired fantasy.
Can't wait for you to have hundreds of thousands of subscribers! Just discovered and subscribed in your cannel last week and you definitely are one of my top 5 favorite booktubers now! Love your honesty and genuine reactions on your vlogs and will going to have a marathon of them soon! Just 😍 thank you for making this channel and thank you for existing! Sending lots of love and support!
IM SO GLAD THAT YOUVE FINISHED THE TRILOGY I can’t wait to scream and cry in your dms when I continue it heheh :) so much love for the Sinegard Academians!! thank you for sharing your experience with us 💛💛
Hi Joel, I read the entire Poppy War trilogy after watching this video. This trilogy was so satisfying to read, especially as it deconstructs imperialism, generational trauma, and racism in a satisfying way. Kitay's glowup in the Dragon Republic was awesome, and like you I suffered through the Burning God. I recommend the trilogy to anyone who reads this comment. Kuang is a phenomenal writer and these books will break your heart in the best way possible.
I am currently reading the last book in the trilogy. So far the Dragon Republic is my favorite. But I still have over 300 pgs to go on The Burning God. I will finish watching your video after finish TBG!!!
Please make a video how you annotate you're books, they look so pretty with the colored tabs 😍 loved this video, you are so awesome and with such an amazing spirit, keep up the good work till the next video 👏greetings from the Netherlands 💕
I just finished the first two and came to youtube to mentally prepare myself for the 3rd book. and basing on your reaction I really should prepare that raincoat AND the bucket Rebecca suggested. Thank you for this!! u gave a review without spoiling anythiiinng I love it. ps. when u shout Rebecca's name I felt that. that was me every part of the freaking series. HAHAHAAHAHAH
your facial expressions say it all!! i really loved the poppy war and i'm excited, but anxious, to read the other books ... i just received the dragon republic and i'm scared to pick it up
i loved this vlog so much and i'm planning to read it as well soon! i'm so surprised that other cultural and historical events aren't discussed enough in your countries. since i was in elementary, we've always been familiar with different kinds history and culture in other countries (it's literally a major part of our exams and we had to memorize the size of the country and their capital etc it was a headache lmao) idk if its just in the Philippines.. (or maybe its because we've been colonized in the past??) yeah i went on a bit of tangent 😂✌️
This is making me want to read the series so much!!!! Ugh i can't wait i have to wait for the illumicrate edition in november, this is going to kill me
Very nice review, I’m interested in the book and I’m between paperback or inbound! How is the inbound book 📚 by holding it? Is it easily open and stays open when you read or you have to hold it open? Is it difficult to have that book in hands etc? Would be nice to show it on your future videos 🙏
so i finished the poppy war today and borrowed tdr and tbg and im scared- 13:40 I KNOW WHAT YOU READ I KNOW WHAT YOU READ IM SORRY IM SORRY joel: i was fine throughout the second part also joel: physically assaults the book edit 17/3/22: i finished the dragon republic and im so scared for the burning god why rebecca
i study egyptology at university rn and when i tell you everything we learnt about ancient egypt as kids was incredibly white washed and westernised i mean it was INCREDIBLY white washed and westernised 🙃 and egyptology is STILL a field that's dominated by white europeans and it just does not sit right with me lmao. anyway this really made me wanna start this series!!
Joel: I’m gonna suffer a lot throughout this
Also Joel: it’s gonna be great, it’s gonna be fun!
i think what makes rf kuang's writing style so compelling is that she is very aware and educated on the things that she wanted to discuss in the story. she took the time to read and study so many resources to fully understand each element she wanted to incorporate in the books. and i believe that when you understand something very well, you can explain it easily in your own way and make others want to listen to what you have to say.
I read the burning god over the space of two days as we were driving back from our staycation holiday. I finished it about an hour away from home and then proceeded to stare out of the window for the rest of the journey as I literally couldn't bring myself to do anything else after.
on my way home from the airport I had to use my mums' personal hotspot so that I could download the sequel on my kindle!
Has TBG been released already in some places?
@@bribli2177 No, I got an advanced copy on my kindle from netgalley :)
I'm glad I'm not the only one who reads with really intense facial expressions. My husband makes fun of me all the time.
Same!! Like I have the most serious face ever while reading I look freaking ridiculous 😭😭
I agree with how much history is westernized and how much they leave out. Im from the US and when I tell you our history curriculum is a joke...its a goddamn joke. As an African-American I am still learning about black peoples role in building this country and the suffering experienced and still being experienced. Even other cultures are barely or not touched on at all. I know nothing of Imperial China or Japan and I had to do my own research on Egyptian mythology and the African empires. Theres so much to learn and not enough they teach kids in school! And all for the sake of making colonizers look like the good guys.
Exactly, the only time I learned about other cultures was in a World History Honors class that the parents at my school tried to get taken off of the course list because it was "propaganda'. Why did they find it to be propgranda? Because it talked about Isla,, how it was made, and what it actually is so they got upset that instead of them being portrayed as crazy people they were portrayed as a peaceful religion and society that helped build the world as we know it.
yep, history is written by the victors.
joel's facial expressions when he was reading were the absolute sweetest thing I've seen all week🥺
Me *should be reading*
Also me *watches hours of other people reading*
Samesies!
Me too!!! I haven't read prose for a week now. I've only read manga 🤭
MOOD
MEEEE 😂
joel during 29:35: in tears, pain
music during 29:35: 🤩🥰✨🎇💛🔆😙😛
"I'm wearing a raincoat to protect me from my tears."
Goes on to ear dumplings!
Love the vlog, can't wait to dig into the series further!
YAS THE WRITING STYLE, I wasn't able to put it into words but it's just so clever and the transitions from certain scenes and just the overall flow, perfection
my heart ❤️ been broke 😞 so many ⏰ times i don’t🤷♀️ know 🧠 what to believe 🧚🏼♀️
Joel has a way of making a person want to read. 💚 and well now I have more books on my list of books to read. 😂📚 The never ending list. 🤣
As a Latin American majoring in History, I totally agree about what you said on how westernalized our History is, like even here in Brazil we learn more about Europe than our own country. Also as someone who is mainly studying Persian History I can say that the system makes it very hard for anyone who doesn't want to study the "main stream" History, like my teacher literaly sent me an e-mail warning me about the difficulties I was going to face studying non Western History (He also studies Persia). And this reading vlog just made me more exited to read this trilogy. Hope it comes to Brazil soon.
Sorry if there is any mistakes English is not my first language and I'm dyslexic
The page tabs😍😍 I lost all my notes on my ebook for TPW so I only had "what th heak" on one page🤣
🎶 you're gonna be in pain, this series is going to break your soul, and i couldn't be happier 🎶
My heart is so happy that you loved this series, Joel! The tie-in to East Asian history is really what makes the series so phenomenal for me (and slightly existential). Rebecca's rise as one of SFF's greatest authors is only beginning, and I can't wait for her Dark Academia book ❤️
part one of tpw is truly the happiest times :”)
i’ve been waiting for it to return to those vibes, but i’m almost fully done with the first book, and it’s not returning 😂😂
Love that you made an actual reaction schedule??? That's some dedication and I'm here for it
I'm literally so scared to start reading this trilogy.
Same 🙂
I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS
yup ... the dumpling... it`s so brutal...
Just started this series. Screaming crying throwing up
im reading the poppy war too and oml MY EMOTIONAL CAPACITY IS FILLEDD
i been waiting for this one since i saw you finished it on gr. who needs sleep when theres joel. i really stan this coordinated outfit. i spy the rainbow sprayed edge book rack. If your interested in post colonialism in science fiction, theres a entire genre dedicated to it, I studied it at university, its called afrofuturism, I would recommend Why blacks should read (and write) science fiction by Charles R Saunders, as a kind of starting point.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE VLOG EVER! your predictions were very on point we were all 👀 in the gc ahdjdk also that frustrated "rebecaaa" speaks to my soul im really glad you loved this series 😭
(i recommend reading HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA next bc it will give you all the serotonin after all the tpw suffering)
kitay the strategic baby kinggg. love seeing the rollercoaster of emotions because gosh does this story take you through it. i'm ready and not ready for tbg.
very very very happy you finally read this and LOVED it and now know all the pain we have gone through 😔👊🏼
Well JUST finished crying my eyes out over this trilogy and now I’m finally here for solidarity and solace 🥺
I'm loving your vlogs, I'm currently on The Burning God and I'm loving it so much. The Poppy war was such a surprise for me because I didn't like it when I read it back in 2020 but now the more I read the more fascinated I become by R F Kuang's writing and word choice, everything she does is so incredible
joel: literally having a breakdown while reading
the background music: 💕🌸🎶☀️🌷
Ur unique, please don’t stop making this wonderful videos. ❤ from India!
woah, thank you so much!
44:08
You: crying your eyes out
Me: ohhhhh that hunger games boxset behind you is beautiful!
When you said you were gunna read the characters guide at the back of the Dragon Republic, I started panicking. Cos I did that with a book once and it basically spoiled the book I was about to read, cos it was at the back so I guess they assumed I'd read the guide AFTER reading the book.
I’ve just got done reading the poppy war and gonna start reading the second book, and watching you read it and seeing you slowly break down throughout the story. I reached that same part where I just had to close the book and put it down and just wrap my head around everything and just cry a bit haha
42:46 okay but pikachu smiling at you from behind is a literal mood
when i read chapter 21 i was listening to it as an audio book which made it 100x worse. Never in my life have i felt genuinely sick to my stomach after reading a chapter until now. horrible so so so horrible
I love that you feel everything when you read and share your thoughts with us.
I was really intrigued by this trilogy before but know that I watched your reaction and how much you loved it I can't wait to pick it up and read it! Thanks always because after your videos, my TBR list grows more and more each time! 💙
I just finished the dragon republic. And I am .... I have no words 😢.
This video was so good. I’m reading The Poppy War now and I have feels, real life feels. Amazing review. Thank you. 😊
I feel the dead eyes when you finished it when I read it for the first time I cried and sobbed and the I fel absolutely dead and drained. And every time I reread it I cry again.
Really interesting! Colourism is something my family struggle with a lot. I look forward to checking this out. I just read the tigers daughter and the phoenix empress. I love Asian inspired fantasy.
okay this has finally convinced me, I'm going to read and breakdown over this series
"it's like a blade that looks dull but can stab you" lmao Joel your dagger obsession is showing
Can't wait for you to have hundreds of thousands of subscribers! Just discovered and subscribed in your cannel last week and you definitely are one of my top 5 favorite booktubers now! Love your honesty and genuine reactions on your vlogs and will going to have a marathon of them soon! Just 😍 thank you for making this channel and thank you for existing! Sending lots of love and support!
Is there any romance in the second part? And did Nezha really die?
Even hearing the words Chapter 21 still gets a visceral reaction from me.... like a literal shudder runs down my spine 😬
IM SO GLAD THAT YOUVE FINISHED THE TRILOGY I can’t wait to scream and cry in your dms when I continue it heheh :) so much love for the Sinegard Academians!! thank you for sharing your experience with us 💛💛
“I mean... the Empire of Gold” WHAT A MOOD
I'm also waiting for this! I'm planning to finally read The Poppy War, and this is the sign!
I loved this book, thank you for this very interesting review !
Hi Joel, I read the entire Poppy War trilogy after watching this video. This trilogy was so satisfying to read, especially as it deconstructs imperialism, generational trauma, and racism in a satisfying way. Kitay's glowup in the Dragon Republic was awesome, and like you I suffered through the Burning God. I recommend the trilogy to anyone who reads this comment. Kuang is a phenomenal writer and these books will break your heart in the best way possible.
Watching your reactions is SO validating I literally cried through the entire last 3 chapters of the burning god
I am currently reading the last book in the trilogy. So far the Dragon Republic is my favorite. But I still have over 300 pgs to go on The Burning God. I will finish watching your video after finish TBG!!!
Please make a video how you annotate you're books, they look so pretty with the colored tabs 😍 loved this video, you are so awesome and with such an amazing spirit, keep up the good work till the next video 👏greetings from the Netherlands 💕
I just finished the first two and came to youtube to mentally prepare myself for the 3rd book. and basing on your reaction I really should prepare that raincoat AND the bucket Rebecca suggested. Thank you for this!! u gave a review without spoiling anythiiinng I love it.
ps. when u shout Rebecca's name I felt that. that was me every part of the freaking series. HAHAHAAHAHAH
At 42:59 where did you get your beautiful blue crane shirt? I love it so much!
your facial expressions say it all!! i really loved the poppy war and i'm excited, but anxious, to read the other books ... i just received the dragon republic and i'm scared to pick it up
This was such an amazing reading vlog. Exquisite execution!
i loved this vlog so much and i'm planning to read it as well soon! i'm so surprised that other cultural and historical events aren't discussed enough in your countries. since i was in elementary, we've always been familiar with different kinds history and culture in other countries (it's literally a major part of our exams and we had to memorize the size of the country and their capital etc it was a headache lmao) idk if its just in the Philippines.. (or maybe its because we've been colonized in the past??) yeah i went on a bit of tangent 😂✌️
Jazzy upbeat music: Joel sobbing
OH MY GOOOOD I NEED TO GET THE POPPY WAR😭
omg yay joel i had been waiting fot this yayay
Can you do a video of reading the priory of the orange tree
I’m halfway through the second book rn
I know I’m in danger… the question is how much worse it can get from here
I love poppy war!
I just finished chapter 21 and had to stop reading for the night. This book is so good, but so painful to read!
12:17 the meal prep 😍😍😍😍😍
Dragon republic 22:45
watching this bookvlog after finished the dragon republic feels like rubbing salt in a wound
I haven’t read this book yet but I will still watch it because JOEL! 😩
This is making me want to read the series so much!!!! Ugh i can't wait i have to wait for the illumicrate edition in november, this is going to kill me
Very nice review, I’m interested in the book and I’m between paperback or inbound! How is the inbound book 📚 by holding it? Is it easily open and stays open when you read or you have to hold it open? Is it difficult to have that book in hands etc? Would be nice to show it on your future videos 🙏
Loved this vlog! And just like that I now have another trilogy I need to buy! 😬
Poppy war is not my Genre but I feels like reading just because of you and to have a glimpse of your feelings about it
The books are so huge so I just pretend like they don't exist. I might do the audio version for this
kitay supremacy ✨
so i finished the poppy war today and borrowed tdr and tbg and im scared-
13:40 I KNOW WHAT YOU READ I KNOW WHAT YOU READ IM SORRY IM SORRY
joel: i was fine throughout the second part
also joel: physically assaults the book
edit 17/3/22: i finished the dragon republic and im so scared for the burning god why rebecca
i haven’t read this but not i feel like i need to. i’m ready to be destroyed 😭😅
Watched until your reaction to part 1 of burning god... I'm hold off the rest until I read it too. Lol ... Kuang is an amazing author.
A great recent novel about comfort women - how we disappeared by jing jing lee
This really really wasn’t a book I was going to pick up. Fantasy isn’t usually my scene...But anyway I have it on hold from the library now 🙃
Loved this reading vlog 😍
The way you mouthed SH*T ahahahaha can't wait to read this
oop I am not ready for my imminent pain when I finally get my hands on this series
The Poppy War has been on my bookshelf for ages and I am scared to read it.....😬😩
🥰 Thank you for posting
Just started poppy war today!
Now I'm going to read The Poppy War. I want to see if I'll be broken. 🤔
Yay can’t wait to look at this 😅
i study egyptology at university rn and when i tell you everything we learnt about ancient egypt as kids was incredibly white washed and westernised i mean it was INCREDIBLY white washed and westernised 🙃 and egyptology is STILL a field that's dominated by white europeans and it just does not sit right with me lmao. anyway this really made me wanna start this series!!
I still need to get a copy of this 😅
omg the dumplings
26:05 the what?
I finished the burning god in the middle of civics class while listening to anime sad music. I broke down SOBBING
31:41 what?? 🤣🤣he's so cute 😍😍
So when the climax hit in book 1 i was like YOO!!!
I love how unhinged you seem after chapter 11 😂
I take this back. Your reaction after chapter 21 is what made me want to read this book omg
When you hugged Pikachu😭😭 I do the same thing when I’m reading
23:13 the breakdown
Just waiting for the time I read this and feel the same emotions 😩