The idea of a morally-grey accountant bringing a colonialist empire to its knees was appealing. However, it was hard to believe that Baru Cormorant was this cunning leader the author wanted her to be.

For one, Baru Cormorant isn't such a great accountant. She gets outmaneuvered by smarter leaders, and when she makes a firmer decision to crush the rebellion down it's only because they have her cornered. Also, we never see her improve her skills. One day she's a student, and the next she's a tactician. Out of nowhere, people come to trust her and take her advice 🤨. They are more experienced, barely know her, but they would follow her anywhere ?

And even make her their ruler? Come on now...

We don't know these characters. How am I supposed to feel anything for them? Plus, each time something exciting is about to happen we never get to see the action live. Instead, we have a kind of report that summarizes what happened. That's it. Frankly, it feels like everything about Baru Cormorant is served on a silver platter. She deserves nothing.

The world-building is barely explored.

This book could have been so much more if only everything was not on a superficial level.