In Andrea Tang's Kingdom of Without, a young thief named Zhong Ning'er navigates a dystopian, cyberpunk Beijing, nearly 150 years after a successful imperial coup. This Les Misérables-inspired YA novel plunges readers into a city divided by towering walls and crippling inequality, where the ruling dynasty maintains control with cyborgs and a ruthless army. Ning'er's seemingly simple heist spirals into a thrilling adventure alongside revolutionaries, a disillusioned soldier, and a captive rebel leader. As earthquakes and famine plague the land, Ning'er must confront her cynicism and choose between apathy and a desperate, exhilarating fight for hope amidst the breathtaking chaos of a futuristic, alternate-history China.
Review Kingdom of Without
Kingdom of Without absolutely captivated me! Andrea Tang has crafted a thrilling, fast-paced story set in a breathtakingly imagined cyberpunk Beijing, a futuristic city ruled by a centuries-old imperial dynasty. The world-building is phenomenal; Tang paints such a vivid picture of this stratified society, divided into Rings of privilege and desperation, where technological marvels exist alongside grinding poverty and the pervasive influence of a mind-numbing drug called Complacency. This isn't just a backdrop; it's a character in itself, shaping the motivations and actions of every person within it.
At the heart of the story is Zhong Ning'er, a resourceful young thief struggling to survive in the harsh Sixth Ring. She's not your typical YA protagonist; she's flawed, cynical, and fiercely independent, making her incredibly relatable. Ning'er’s journey isn't just about surviving; it's about confronting the systemic injustices that have shaped her life and the lives of those around her. The supporting cast is equally compelling – a diverse group of rebels, each with their own motivations and secrets, who gradually become something akin to a found family. Their interactions felt authentic, their bonds strengthening through shared hardship and growing trust.
While the book is billed as a heist story, the actual heist itself is more of a pivotal moment within a larger narrative focused on revolution and systemic change. This is where the pacing, while undeniably gripping, might be a point of contention for some readers. The rapid-fire action sequences are exhilarating, keeping you constantly on the edge of your seat, but it does mean that character development, particularly outside the core group, feels slightly rushed. I personally found this to be a minor drawback, overshadowed by the overarching story’s emotional impact and the sense of urgency it created. It made the book an incredibly addictive read – I devoured it in a single sitting!
The romance, while not the central focus, was a welcome addition. It’s a slow-burn, beautifully understated affair, unfolding in quiet moments of shared understanding and support. It felt refreshingly genuine amidst the chaos of the plot. Honestly, I adored the subtle way the romance unfolded, perfectly complementing the overall tone of the book.
The comparisons to Six of Crows are understandable, given the presence of a heist and a band of misfits, but Kingdom of Without ultimately carves its own unique path. It’s less character-driven and more plot-driven, which might initially surprise readers expecting the same level of character introspection. However, I found the shift in focus refreshing and believe it serves the overarching themes of the novel extremely well. The Les Misérables inspiration also becomes increasingly apparent as the story progresses, adding another layer of depth and emotional resonance.
Overall, Kingdom of Without is a fantastic read. It’s a gripping blend of action, adventure, and social commentary, all wrapped up in a richly imagined world. While the breakneck pace might not appeal to all readers, the compelling characters, the impactful storyline, and the breathtaking world-building are more than enough to compensate. Andrea Tang is an author to watch, and I eagerly await her next work. Highly recommended for fans of YA sci-fi who crave something original and emotionally resonant.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.25 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 288
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
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