I chose this book because I don’t think I’ve ever read anything translated from Korean, though I have watched a couple magnificent Korean TV shows. In this case, the translator is Anton Hur. Both the translator and the author are quite good. The story unfolds in crisp, understated prose, with none of the awkwardness I have seen in translations from other languages.
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I expected the book to erupt in horrible violence, what with its fiery orange cover, and “blood” in the title. The book is an interweaving of the tales of three unexpected heroes, all of whom come from the conquered country of Arland. Events are clearly leading to conflict with the oppressive Imperial Empire. But the war, it seems, is born more from resignation and determination, rather than hopelessness or anger. It happens in the same introspective, almost-gentle viewpoint with which the protagonists start their journeys.
Loran is a middle-aged swordswoman who, after her husband and daughter are killed by the Empire, has no reason not to give herself to the chained dragon of Arland and declare herself King. She doesn’t actually expect to survive. Cain is a refugee living in the Imperial Capitol. He is an ordinary young man, just getting by, and helping his fellow Arlanders wherever possible. Arienne was born with magic, and has been forcibly removed from her home to attend mandatory magic schooling. What she learns about the fate of people with magic sends her on a daring escape from the Imperial Capitol and into the heart of a rebellion.
This is a story of perseverance in kindness and fairness, despite overwhelming odds. It teaches that perhaps there are some things that must be done, even if they are likely to be met with skepticism or failure. It is oddly hopeful, aided by an ending that turns out fairly well for all three protagonists. I can’t vouch for their ultimate success, however. According to the author’s post-script, Blood of Old Kings is the first book in a trilogy.
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