Experienced the same problems I had with Babel (although I do think characterization was better here - the characters felt more believable). I don't think Kuang has learned how to let her text breathe. It was bizarre to watch her confront critiques of her books by essentially just proceeding to do the same things? I will say, this was propulsive, so I get why it's been able to draw people in so completely. I think if you don't mind/are into Kuang's heavy-handedness (which, no shade, we're all different), then I think this will work for you.