The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu Summary
Overview of The Grace of Kings
In Liu's groundbreaking "silk-punk" fantasy, two rebels battle for an empire's soul. Named among Time's "100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time," this Locus Award winner reimagines Chinese history with airships and political intrigue that NPR called "a magnificent fantasy epic."
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Key takeaways
Two Heroes Rise from the Ashes of Empire
In the world of Dara, Emperor Mapidere has achieved the impossible-unifying seven warring states through brutal conquest and technological superiority. But when the emperor dies, leaving his young son under the corrupt regency of Prime Minister Crupo, the empire's foundation begins to crack. Crupo's tyranny is exemplified in a chilling court scene where he points to a stag and declares it a horse, executing anyone brave enough to speak the truth. This oppression ignites rebellion across Dara, as people rise to restore their ancient kingdoms. Against this backdrop emerge two extraordinary figures: Kuni Garu, a clever commoner with a gift for winning loyalty, and Mata Zyndu, the towering last heir of a noble warrior clan. Their contrasting natures are perfectly symbolized by the flowers they identify with-Kuni the adaptable dandelion, Mata the noble chrysanthemum. When these young men witness an assassination attempt against the emperor during his grand procession, their destinies become forever intertwined with the fate of Dara itself. As rebellion spreads like wildfire across the land, both will rise from obscurity to reshape an empire, but in dramatically different ways.
The Chrysanthemum's Path: Honor and Vengeance
The Dandelion's Rise: Pragmatism and Innovation
Women of Power: The Hidden Architects of Empire
Divine Games: Gods as Political Players
The Moral Calculus of Leadership
The Cyclical Nature of Power
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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