Fuuuuuuuuuuuck.
This book. 

This book is everything that I want in a fantasy novel. Amazing concept and execution. I cannot believe that this was Kuang's debut novel. 
The world building was incredible because it is really a fantasy retelling of Chinese history. The world, the enemy, the mythology, everything is just a single side step away from reality with an added fantastical twist. 
The characters too were so raw and real. There was something to love and understand about each and every one of them, and yet they were all so deeply flawed that you felt the frustrations you feel when arguing with a family member, friend, or lover. 

This story reminded me a little bit of Avatar: The Last Airbender, with the unwinnable war scenario and it's group of gifted young people fighting that fight. However, it gets really dark, really fast. 
For anyone who is not able to read about the realities of warfare and the war crimes that exist as a result, you may not be able to stomach this book. It's a small part of the larger story, but definitely made me look at this story in a new light. 

Will be buying the next book immediately.