Speaking Bones

A fantastic conclusion to an incredible series: First, phenomenal world building; the world felt more real than anything I've read in fantasy in some time. Second, interesting characters and compelling plot. Third, a touch of the literary; some of the themes that resonated with me: the roles of bureaucracy and the intelligentsia, cultural identity, the power of stories, power vs. morality vs. pride ("the grace of kings"), and the joys of food.

I was hesitant at first to pick up this series: it's very long, and I've grown kinda bored with epic fantasy. So, I'm very glad that I did take the plunge—worth it!

“He lived up to the story he wanted others to tell about him, instead of a story that was true to his soul.”

I've never read a book like this. I've never read a series like this. 75% into this book I was pretty confident it was going to barely make it into the four star territory. But I underestimated Ken Liu, I forced my own expectations onto this work of art. I will have a full review incoming, I am overfilled with thoughts, but The Dandelion Dynasty is one of the most ambitious, incredible series I've read. I will miss Dara, and it is safe to say that the characters in this series will continue to inspire and challenge me for a long time.

Speaking Bones is the final book in the Dandelion Dynasty, and what an ending. This book made me feel every emotion. I was angry, I was happy, I laughed, I cried, I thought. This series makes me consider so many things about life, about the world, memory, identity, culture, civilization, the human experience... Ken Liu is able to convey so much with his prose. I am constantly awed by the story he's telling and I will be considering the events, conclusions and dialogues of this series for years.

So much made me very angry. A lot of bad things happen. There was a point where I couldn't go to sleep after reading it because my chest was tight with pure rage. This book was emotionally exhausting to a point that I've maybe never experienced. It challenged me. Not the difficulty of the ideas, but the level of empathy I developed for these characters and how much I felt their journeys. Liu writes amazing characters. The ending of the book does bring catharsis, though. There is meaning, and the series is ultimately hopeful. The tears I cried were (mostly) not tears of sadness, but tears of joy.

I do think Speaking Bones could have been edited down. But most of the deviations help contribute to the overall narrative and picture of Dara that Ken is painting. I can honestly say that at the end of this series, I will miss Dara and its inhabitants. That's an incredible achievement.

Speaking Bones is definitely one of my favorite endings to a series ever, and DD is one of my all time favorite series. Please read it!

“That a story is too neat doesn't mean it's also not true. If there is anything to be learned from this tale, its the power of desire for a good story.”

“It's both a curse and a manifestation of grace that children must make their own path, independent of their forebearers. Those who plant saplings will not live to enjoy the shade of the full-grown tree; those who build the city-ship will not get to steer it into the unknown storm. I'm asking you to trust that the wisdom of the people will be wielded by the people you saw as your duty to defend.”

“History has no plot, and kings do not follow characters arcs.”

The best epic fantasy I have ever had the pleasure of reading (living through would be a more apt descriptor perhaps). Only time will tell whether it grows to be considered the best of the genre and garners the cult following it deserves or not. Either way, I won't be able to forget the journey I've been on reading these four books.

Felt compelled to write something even though I can't coherently describe why this was a 6/5 stars for me.

Ken Liu is a definite genius and an author who's work I will drop everything to read.