Varun Murali

Very challenging but an important book for everyone to read. The author highlights quite a few narratives that have been forgotten when talking about colonialism and are important to remember. The magic system is unique as well and built in way that fits the plot and the theme of colonialism perfectly.  I see quite a few reviews that give the book a low rating for 3 reasons: Discomfort: The book is a tough read, no doubt about it. It makes you uncomfortable, sad, angry, and infuriated (especially if you are from a country that was colonized by the British). I think this is the purpose of the book. If we can't sit through the discomfort of reading a book, imagine the lives of those discriminated against every day. A lot of these prejudices still exist for Black people, Brown people, women, Chinese people, and more. "Everyone already knows colonialism is bad, no need to write a whole book on it.": There are literally people in the review section that think we should be celebrating the ingenuity of the British empire. Look through the comments and reviews to see people in denial, or worse, see people who are proud. "Colonialism wasn't that bad": Yeah these people are living in denial. The British do not teach the horrors of colonialism in their schools. They try to erase and hide the systematic way in which they have depleted so many countries of their riches and resources. They try to erase the condescension with which they conducted themselves against anyone who was not white. Saying India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are full of scars of colonialism is an understatement. We still feel these effects today. It wasn't even a generation ago that so many countries got independence. I am still proudly shown flags of East India company battle ships that tone deaf British people have in their families. What do they want me to say? "Oh that's so cool! Your family killed a ton of my ancestors and fellow citizens!" I would give 4.75 if possible. The only reason for removing 0.25 stars is that for me personally a few chapters had a bit too much set up and world building that I sort of skimmed past.