The characters
The plot
The pacing
The writing style
The worldbuilding
It is all done perfectly. PERFECTLY.
And it's R. F. Kuang's debut novel.
This book is literally my favourite book ever. Morally grey characters, the depiction of war, how aspects of mythology and history are combined into this brilliant world of Nikan. Everything is *chef's kiss*
You're missing out if haven't read this. Just saying.