A Conversation with Ken Liu (Author of The Dandelion Dynasty)

[@briangrina8140]

I finally came across this video, and wow, what a fantastic conversation. Thank you Petrik, for recommending this series. The themes are so impactful and I love how Ken Liu explains how and why things actually happen in the story. This is my favorite series and frankly, its not even close.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@briangrina8140 thank you so much for watching! I honestly think Ken Liu is a geniusm glad you love The Dandelion Dynasty too!

[@musicgenius1948]

He such a smart and well spoken author. Like one of the most knowledgeable and intelligent authors I’ve ever heard speak. And dandelion and his short stories were both fantastic

[@PetrikLeo]

Exactly! I actually think he IS one of the most intelligent authors I've come across. 😀

[@MindfulPompous]

I know I’m watching this a whole year later but this is great!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Yay!! I'm glad to hear that! 😄

[@yousrat3133]

Petrik, thank you so much for inviting Ken. I have a massive amount of respect towards him not only as an author but also as an individual. He articulates his thoughts beautifully and I can't help but be encapsulated by his thought process behind the great epic of our generation 'The Dandelion Dynasty'. I must also praise your interviewing skills. Everything flowed well and you brought up excellent moments that I'm sure most of us cherish from Ken's works.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much for the kind words! And you're so welcome, Yousra! I was so nervous about this chat, but it was my pleasure and honor to chat with him. The way he articulates his thoughts is so immersive to me. Evidently, it's not just his books and prose! :D

[@darkishphoenix]

Loved Dandelion Dynasty and would love more but if he feels that's what he had in him for that level of epic political/war fantasy, then thank you. At least he finished it and gave us a complete story and if that's the last epic he ever does Congratulations. You've left a legacy and actually finished it unlike some other authors *cough* Patrick Rothfuss and GRRM *cough* Not gonna lie with the 5 year gap between books 2 and 3 I thought he might be another author that just never finishes a great series, so I was pleasantly surprised that he had so much story that he just couldn't keep it to a trilogy and came out with 2 enormous volumes in succession

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah, Ken Liu said he kept writing and writing and writing and the third book turned into a 700,000 words monstrosity after all is edited. Amazing, and I can't praise this series highly enough. Dandelion Dynasty is a masterpiece, and I'm glad you loved it, too! :)

[@jamesmccullough1162]

Every interview I listen to with Ken Liu makes me want to devour his works even faster! His commentary on modernity, diversity and history is just absolutely fascinating. Not since reading Erickson and Malazan for the first time have I been so captured by an author's understanding of the "external" and stories about large groups of people and nations. I love when an author's passion and understanding of historical events seeps into their writing and makes me want to learn more about that event or period (The Chu-Han Contension with The Grace of Kings and the Sepoy Mutiny with Deadhouse Gates in particular). What an awesome interview, Petrik! So excited to continue in this series!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, James! His books are some of the most unique books I've read. It's rare for me to read a book and think "my god, this author is incredibly intelligent," and I get that pretty much from every page I read in The Dandelion Dynasty. Prose, themes, characterizations, everything was nailed with finesse. Enjoy! :)

[@KAB-w7n]

Just finished " The grace of Kings " which I thought remarkable. It actually reminded me of " The Silmarillion " which is a huge compliment for Mr. Liu. Can't wait to start " The wall of storm".

[@PetrikLeo]

That's high praise! Imo The Wall of Storms is even better. I hope you'll feel the same. Enjoy! 😄

[@KAB-w7n]

@@PetrikLeo hey Petrick. I always appreciate your work. I enjoyed your vlog in London where you visited exactly the same places I usually do. The bookshops at Cecil's court, Forbidden Planet, Hatchard's and so on. I always miss London. Have a nice one!

[@o_display6656]

I will miss this series forever, I want another dandelion dynasty💔

[@PetrikLeo]

You and me both! 🥲 But this was a terrific series! 😊

[@readbykyle3082]

I cant believe I missed this interview. What a treat! Excellent interview, Petrik!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you very much, Kyle! This is one of my favorite interview with authors! 😄

[@andrewf7732]

I just finished Speaking Bones and I had to come back to this video to watch the spoiler discussion. Absolutely brilliant series, perhaps my favorite fantasy series of all time. I'll need a few days to reflect. Thanks for recommending this series. It's been a treasure to read and I'm a little sad it's over.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yesssss! You're so welcome, Andrew. It's definitely one of my top favorites. The contents, themes, and so many other elements packed into these 4 books are insane! 🤩

[@tkinsey3]

I discovered Ken and the Dandelion Dynasty this year (probably from you, Petrik - though I can't remember!), but there is no doubt that he has become one of my favorite authors and certainly my 'Author of 2022'. I read his entire bibliography in the past 6 months. 😬😅 Thanks for the interview, Petrik! Great job!

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah, that's so good to hear. Glad you love his works, too! Thank you so much, Trent! I am pretty sure The Dandelion Dynasty and Ken Liu are my series and author of 2022, too! :D

[@zan8152]

Gosh what a fantastic discussion Petrick, thanks for much for hosting this - just finished the other day, so perfect time. Love it. Love his thoughts on the series as the formation of modern identity, with the influence of story (I can definitely see tons of that in there), but also a lot of mention of the Iliad and ancient Greek Epics. Obviously knew about the Chu-Han thread, but the Iliad stuff was like a lightbulb for me... damn. What a series.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Zan! The theme of modernity was executed pretty well. And I love hearing Ken articulate his thoughts and inspirations. Such an amazing series, really. So MUCH packed into this series! 🤯😊

[@Paromita_M]

Great interview. The Dandelion Dynasty is so good and Ken Liu's erudition is just amazing.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Paromita! I totally agree. I'm glad to have read the series!

[@peterunger7372]

Thank you, Petrik! Just finished Speaking Bones and this is exactly what I needed as I can't stop thinking about it. Great interview!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! And you're welcome. Enjoy the chat with Ken Liu. Speaking Bone was spectacularly good! :)

[@lightblitz7554]

Wow! Thank you for making this interview. I definitely felt there was something with the transition from monarchy to modernism, but hearing the words from Ken really clears it up.

[@PetrikLeo]

I felt in inadequate talking to Ken Liu. He's so damn smart, Especially on the topic of modernism.

[@mattamant915]

I discovered Ken Liu when I read The Three Body Problem and from there I searched out his own works. I have The Grace of Kings sitting at home and I'll get to it eventually.

[@PetrikLeo]

I've read Cixin Liu's trilogy. Ken Liu's translations are so good, too. I hope you'll love The Grace of Kings when you get to it, Matt! :)

[@luvBB4lyf]

Omg Ken Liu?!!! Haven't watched yet but so excited!

[@PetrikLeo]

I'm EXCITED as well. Enjoy the chat! :D

[@andrewf7732]

Happy to see this video. I read The Paper Menagerie short story collection this month and loved it and also just started The Grace of Kings. I'm about 130 pages in and I already love it. Something about his writing really works for me.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Andrew! All I will say, if you love The Grace of Kings already, you're going to really LOVE the rest of the series! Enjoy! :)

[@Lila_S.]

OMG! Petrik! I love Ken, Love Dandelion Dynasty, Love Pantheon and I love Good Hunting adaptation in LD+R! Thanks for the interview, I can listen to him talk all day.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Lila! I've watched Good Hunting, but I still need to get around to Pantheon! :D

[@Lila_S.]

@@PetrikLeo It reminds me very much of Ghost in the Shell when it comes to themes and maturity. I hope you'll like it. :)

[@abelangjq]

I really enjoyed this interview. It's good that you let Ken ramble, because he is so articulate and forthcoming with his thoughts. You even prompted him to elaborate at certain points, when a lesser interviewer would have tried to move on to the next topic.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Abel! If there's no time constraint, I would've chatted even more. Ken is an incredibly intelligent person! 😁

[@mediabunny4016]

This video dropped yesterday and then my internet was out the whole evening, so l couldn't access it till today. Watched the first bit and it was fascinating! However l stopped after the first question because l haven't read the books yet and l like to have my own first impression before discussing. So will have to come back to this if/when I've read Dandelion Dynasty...

[@PetrikLeo]

Understandable. Take your time to read the series! This video will always be available to the public. :D

[@esmayrosalyne]

Yeah so I started this video and totally didn't intend to binge it in one go... but here we are. Ken Liu just captures my attention like no other, whether it's with his written or spoken words. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful conversation, I loved every single second of it. I will read *anything* this man puts to paper, his writing and story ideas just speak to me on a deep emotional level. Also, I love that he is so passionate about the most divisive aspect of the series... the cooking competition, hahah. I personally really loved that whole part as well, you could just feel the love and passion that went into writing those scenes. And we stan Gin Mazoti!!! These characters will live on in my heart, brain and soul for the rest of my life. And now I want to reread this series already, dammit. What an incredible story. Amazing video, Petrik 🤩

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Esmay! Gin Mazoti is the best! Evidently, it's just not just Liu's prose that captivates us; everything he says in real life, too. That cooking competition was superbly written, imo. It did feel a bit too long on my first read, but after reading through Speaking Bones, I've come to realize just how important that cooking scene was for the development of the Blossom gang! :D

[@esmayrosalyne]

@@PetrikLeo Exactly!! Already eager to dive into a reread!!

[@mariareadsssf]

Thank you for this oportunity Petrik. I am looking forward to return to the rest of the discution once I'll read this series. So excieted for it!

[@PetrikLeo]

Sounds great to me. Thank you so much for tuning in, my friend! 😊

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Great interview! So excited to get to some Liu next year. The Paper Menagerie was amazing. Ed

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Ed! You're going to love the series!!

[@BryantR372]

Great interview for a great author. Love the Dandelion Dynasty series as whole.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! Ken Liu is awesome!

[@PonderingsOfPete]

wooo more Ken Liu content to consume!

[@PetrikLeo]

Always a great thing to have in this world! :D

[@safinan8008]

Hi 👋 wow a fantastic chat with the author!! Happy reading to you! ❄️🎄☃️

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! Happy reading to you! :)

[@kingfisher9725]

I'll have to stop after 53:03 as I am currently reading this series. Thanks for the warning! 😊

[@PetrikLeo]

No worries. Take your time reading the series!! :)

[@seamusb9012]

I struggle to read now with work and study and listen most to audiobook or do immersion reading. Ken's books aren't available in Australia in audiobook but I'm going to struggle through, because I really want to read the Dandelion Dynasty.

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah, that's a shame! Fingers crossed the audiobook will be available in Australia soon! Dandelion Dynasty is worth your time! :)

[@radiahalsagoff4148]

Thanks for this interview, Petrik!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome, Radiah! Thank you for tuning in! 😊

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

Wow .this conversation gave me a new perspect. Wow wow wow

[@PetrikLeo]

Great to hear that!

[@cooldragon919]

Always wanted to read his book but kept delaying it😅 this my sign to START 🏁😁

[@PetrikLeo]

START it! :D

[@bookmarkswithjason9445]

Read Grace of Kings over the summer, and it’s def one of my top 10 reads of the year

[@PetrikLeo]

Awesome. The rest of the series is even better!!

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

For me, it was, still is, forever will be, an epic fantasy.

[@PetrikLeo]

And there's nothing wrong with that! I think mostly the same of it! 😁

[@rumpelRAINS]

Does anyone know what Ken is talking about starting at 3:28. It's seems like a Chinese name for a TV show but I can't understand it. Go Petrik!

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah, he was talking about Wuxia! Look it up. It's about Martial Heroes! :)

[@misecarp]

Who is the writer (novels and TV) he's referencing in the beginning? Closed captions is no help

[@PetrikLeo]

Jin Young! The author behind Legend of the Condor Heroes.

[@PetrikLeo]

Jin Young?

[@seanhalpin87]

Oh hell yeah

[@PetrikLeo]

YEAHHHHHH! :D

[@seanhalpin87]

@@PetrikLeo I'm about 4 chapters from finishing veiled throne, so I can't watch the whole thing, but once I finish speaking bones (it's my goal to finish before new years eve, ending my year on a high) so I'll come back to this when I do!

[@PetrikLeo]

@@seanhalpin87 that's ambitious. But you can do it! That's certainly ending the year on a very high note. Enjoy, Sean! 😁

[@seanhalpin87]

@@PetrikLeo I agree, it's a huge novel, but I'll likely finish veiled throne today, so we will see how things go! I really need to decide between that, and lonesome crown. (Leaning towards lonesome crown)

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

Spoiler discussion.. i will watch tomorrow. I have read all four

[@PetrikLeo]

Sounds good. Enjoy!!!