Why You Should Read The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu | Speaking Bones & Series Review (Spoiler-Free)

Hi everyone! I've finally finished The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu. What an insane ride this has been. Today's video will be a Why You Should Read The Dandelion Dynasty video, and it is also at the same time a spoiler-free review of Speaking Bones! I'm combining both of them into one video. If you've read this series, let me know your thoughts on it. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? This is a MUST read! :)
I've done a full spoiler-free review for each book in the series:
-The Grace of Kings: • Super Underrated Fanta...
-The Wall of Storms: • Best 2nd Book of a Ser...
-The Veiled Throne: www.goodreads....
-Speaking Bones: You're watching it.
Arts used:
-The Lands of Ukyu and Gonde Map by Robert Lazarretti (www.artstation...)
-The Veiled Throne & Speaking Bones UK Cover art by Leo Nickolls (www.leonickoll...)
-The Islands of Dara Map by Robert Lazarretti (www.artstation...)
--The Veiled Throne & Speaking Bones UK Cover art by Leo Nickolls (www.leonickoll...)
-Hero by Wenxu Xu (www.artstation...)
-Hero Part 2 by Wenjun Lin (www.artstation...)
-Veteran by Wenxu Xu (www.artstation...)
Support my reviews and channel:
Patreon: / petrikleo
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/petr...
Buy books from Blackwells (Free International Shipping) using my affiliate link: www.blackwells...
Follow me on:
Goodreads: / petrik
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Blog: novelnotions.net

[@TallGuyReads]

Awesome video Petrik! So happy you loved this series…it is 100% criminally under read and I really hope more people pick it up and hopefully enjoy it as well! Great review!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Alex! Likewise. It has become one of my favorite series of all time! 😃

[@ChasingForever]

I finished the series last month, and agree 100%, except in my opinion, it is one of my all-time favorite series, topping even Fonda Lees' Green Bone Saga, my former first-place winner. I've never read an author who can tie so many diverse ideas together neatly in the end as Ken Liu. Please give this series a go, if you haven't already.

[@PetrikLeo]

I definitely think it's one of the best series of all time, too. I can't decide which one I love more between this and Green Bone Saga right now. Both are masterpieces in my mind! I'm glad you loved it, too! :)

[@jasonvizcarra709]

This month I read grace of kings right after finishing memories of ice, thanks to your’s and fantasy nuttwork’s praise. I don’t think i could have a more epic and satisfying reading month. I don’t know when i’ll be able to get to wall of storms because of my massive tbr, but i look forward to it.

[@PetrikLeo]

The Grace of Kings and Memories of Ice in the same month? Jason, that is insane. xD What an incredibly satisfying reading month. I can guarantee The Wall of Storms is even better than The Grace of Kings! :)

[@shadowoflugia]

I just started part 3 of the last book. I had heard that there was a really cool origin story, and I was afraid that I’d somehow missed it. Glad to know that it’s coming up! 😁

[@PetrikLeo]

Hohoho enjoy. The final book is awesome! 😊

[@crystalhuff6811]

I adore this series, as might be obvious from the fact that I was a beta reader for Ken on the Dandelion Dynasty books. I'm so glad you also enjoyed and shared your love of these books! :)

[@PetrikLeo]

You were a beta reader for this series!? Amazing!!! I applaud your contribution to it, too. Liu has created a masterpiece of a series!

[@noelanikaanana]

I have almost the entire series and have been so excited to read them- more so noe after watching your review! I cannot wait to be a part of this world.

[@PetrikLeo]

That's great, Noelani! I really hope you'll love the series. It's one of my favorites! :)

[@joshuacornelissen5546]

Awesome review! I love when you get truly passionate about a book or series. I'm attempting to slip a hand out from under my mountainous TBR to bump The Dandelion Dynasty up the list...

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Joshua! I'm a passionate reader and reviewer hahaha. I can't help it. 😆 I totally approve you moving up Dandelion Dynasty up your TBR pile!

[@bookdmb]

What a powerful and poetic testimonial! I can't wait to read this one.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, James! I LOVE this series so much! :)

[@esmayrosalyne]

Already said this over on Goodreads, but wow... you really outdid yourself with this review. I really hope your ringing endorsement of this series will convince more people to pick it up, because it deserves SO much more love and hype. I finished Speaking Bones a month ago and I am still reeling from that finale, because it was simply such an emotional journey. Amazing video, Petrik!! 🤩

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Esmay!! It deserves so much more hype! My mind and soul are still in Dara. So hard to move on from it. I believe I am indeed in a book hangover right now hahaha. xD

[@esmayrosalyne]

@@PetrikLeo I think part of me will live on in Dara until the end of my days, hahahah. Not even complaining about it.

[@rod383]

Bravo!! Amazing review my friend. I’ve just finished ‘Wall of Storms’ and agree was easily best book of the year! I’m psyched to continue the journey. 🤙

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you my friend! I think Wall of Storms will be so HARD to beat this year!

[@dinocollins720]

Another amazing video!!! Thank you so much!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@cameronwilliams7372]

Thank you sir for recommending this, easily a top 3 series of all time for me! 🙌

[@PetrikLeo]

You're so welcome. Pleased you loved it! :)

[@mariareadsssf]

When you initially posted the video I only watched for about a minute to avoid potential spoilers. But now that I finished "The Dandelion Dynasty" and missed it so much I had to came back. I am stil in a book hangover, no matter what else I try to read, even re-reading a favorite only temporarly kept me from missing Dara. Also Jia is the most complex character from all the books I read so far. As always your review is brilliant.

[@PetrikLeo]

Totally understandable! I'm glad the series resonated with you that deeply. I understand that book hangover feeling too well. 😂 Jia is an insanely complex character!

[@parthokunda]

Thanks for the review man. I came across this series because of you. I would disagree with your despicable character, she is my most favorite character tbh. Also Cogo is awesome.

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! Ah, Jia Matiza. She is a very fascinating character. Love her or hate, can't deny her storyline is absolutely compelling. Agree that Cogo is awesome!

[@MarcAmAlb]

I’ve just started The grace of kings and I can’t put it down. After three months inmersed in Erikson’s Malazan, I’ve found my new obsession.

[@PetrikLeo]

Ohh yess! That makes me happy. You're going to love Wall of Storms even more! :)

[@MarcAmAlb]

@@PetrikLeo Starting it now.😉

[@MarcAmAlb]

Halfway through “The veiled throne” and the series is firmly establishing itself among my top favourites of all time.

[@MarcAmAlb]

Finished. I’ve loved it. I’d rank it among my top ten fantasy series of all time, for sure.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@MarcAmAlb Yesssssss glad to hear that!!

[@angelamccollister]

I'm about halfway through Speaking Bones, I'm in part 3. I'm loving it like I did the previous books. It's just taking a while to get through it.

[@PetrikLeo]

Glad to hear that, Angela! It is a massive book! I think it took me a week to read through it, though, because I couldn't put it down. Part 4 is insaneeee. Enjoy!!

[@topsy8987]

you’ve convinced me

[@PetrikLeo]

Heck yeah!

[@joseyong]

I started reading it because of ur recommendation. These books have become one of my all time favorites series. Super strong character development specially female ones. The 3rd book is my least favorite of all 4 but it was the one which made me feel the strongest emotions. Most likely I will re-read it next year.

[@PetrikLeo]

I'm pleased you love this series, Jose. I finished it a week ago, and I'm still not over it. Truly one of my all time favorite series now! I definitely will reread the series multiple times! :)

[@vwkflynn]

I love this series! It really is a masterpiece. Ken Liu's worldbuilding is immaculate. And the story he tells is truly incredible. I am a huge evangel for the series. While it's finished, and shorter than other big modern fantasy series (got, Stormlight, etc) I think it has the potential to get hugely popular as more people discover it.

[@PetrikLeo]

I completely agree, Vince. It's seriously up there with some of the top best epic series I've read! More people need to be reading Dandelion Dynasty! 😊

[@neeru84]

Great Review Petrik! It made me nostalgic of Dara… This series needs all the hype!!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Hear hear! Thank you, Neeru! I miss Dara already. This series need so much more readership! :)

[@cambee23]

your reviews have made me very excited to get around to this series!

[@PetrikLeo]

I'm glad to hear that!! This series is amazing! 😃

[@afantasybabble6222]

Well said Petrik. A fantastic epic fantasy series that is amongst my favorites. Glad you are spreading the news.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Edgar!! I won't be shutting up about this seried anytime soon. 😂

[@chrissis.7192]

I gonna give it a try. In Germany only 3 books were translated because lack of interest. I will have to read it in English

[@PetrikLeo]

It's a masterpiece of a series. Enjoy!

[@PoorPersonsBookReviewer]

You convinced me, gonna be my next series to read

[@PetrikLeo]

OH YESSS!

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

Thanks Petrik! I actually have it in my TBR for either next month or the month after. I'm looking forward to it.

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome, Michael! I truly hope you'll love it! :)

[@nestor-162]

You convinced me, I will put it in to-read list 👍😀

[@PetrikLeo]

Woohoo!! It's so worth a try. I hope you'll love it! :)

[@johnvatkevich2259]

I absolutely loved this series. I was blown away reading everything and it brought tears to my eyes a more than a few times. Ken Liu wrote a master piece. I suggest this to everyone I know. Thank you for making this video! It’s great to continue to get the word out about this series! Do you have a copy of all the highlights quotes from the books saved that you can share on your channel somewhere?

[@PetrikLeo]

It's a masterpiece of a series, one of my all time favorites! I will not stop praising the series. I'm still in the middle of scheduling an interview with Ken Liu, so watch out for that! 😁 Unfortunately, i don't have a copy of all the highlights other than on my Kindle. 😂

[@taylorrkenneth]

How is this series not more widely read? It's genuinely the best story I've ever read, and I've read a lot.

[@PetrikLeo]

Exactly. Absolutely ridiculous how few readers read this series. It's one of the best I've read, too!

[@michele1633]

Absolutely magnificent!

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeaaaaahhhh!!!

[@MattGrimmett]

I've got them on all on my shelf and added to my TBR. Just finishing up a book first then I'll dive in.

[@PetrikLeo]

Awesome!! I hope you'll love it as much as I did, Matt! :)

[@curtjarrell9710]

I'm looking forward to reading this series, probably not before next spring. Thanks for letting us know about all its' virtues.

[@PetrikLeo]

It's absolutely awesome, Curt! I hope you'll love it! :)

[@charliesmusings]

I’ve just started The Grace of Kings, I’ll come back to watch this once I’m done with the first two books.

[@PetrikLeo]

I truly hope you'll love Grace of Kings, Charlie! 😃

[@alynam82]

Beautiful review! I haven't read Dandelion Dynasty yet, but have Grace of Kings on my TBR. Looking to give a try hopefully in Jan or Feb

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Anthony! Just means you have something amazing to look forward to! :D

[@Emery_Pallas]

Only got the first book last week and had no awareness of the series. At 13 of 50+ chapters in, this gives me hope for the rest of it

[@Emery_Pallas]

Note: yeah the start is strong, if it is introducing a lot of characters

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah, you're in one heck of an amazing adventure. Love Dandelion Dynasty so much. Enjoy! :)

[@Paromita_M]

Great review of Speaking Bones (especially keeping it non-spoiler) and series overview. One of the (extremely) rare series I have completed before you 😄. I thought Speaking Bones was the best book in the series in terms of themes and justifying the title 'The Dandelion Dynasty'. Booktuber Ponderings of Pete convinced me to try this series back in early June 2022 and 💯 worth it. On a related note I recently read two epic fantasy series: 1) Books 1 and 2 of The Five Warrior Angles series by Brian Lee Durfee which I really enjoyed and thought was very good in terms of plot, character, themes, pacing. Looking forward to reading Book 3 in December. 2) All 5 published books of ASOIAF (finally!) by GRRM. I have no regrets I read this because I thought it was a very good series (even Books 4+5 which readers seem to like less). Now I can be sad with both ASOIAF and Kingkiller fans!😊 Happy reading!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Paromita! It was HARD to keep the review as spoiler free as possible. I'm glad you loved the series, too. The themes discussed in Speaking Bones was so poignant and effective in enriching the characterizations and the story. Loved it so much. And I love Five Warrior Angels. I'm going to begin my reread of the series next month in preparation for Lonesome Crown! And well... welcome to another waiting game with A Song of Ice and Fire... I'm sure you're kinda used to it, though, with Kingkiller Chronicle! xD

[@Paromita_M]

@@PetrikLeo Yes I have seen your reviews of The Forgetting Moon and The Blackest Heart on Goodreads. I always find your reviews to be well-written, helpful and fair. I have to do my rereads close apart in November otherwise I forget many things. I was really looking forward to another long novel from Ken Liu but I saw in an interview he said after working for 10+ years on Dandelion, he needs a break from such a massive project and will do short stories. Fair enough. I'm sure more people will read both Dandelion and Five Warrior watching your reviews. Indeed Kingkiller sadness prepared me so well for ASOIAF! 😄 Happy reading!

[@kampover]

I'm reading the first book in the Dandelion dynasty based on your high praise of it and I think it's pretty good! I'm halfway through it and though it's not the top for me (yet, maybe), I'm glad I came across it thanks to you.

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! The second half is much better, imo, and no worries if The Grace of Kings isn't a favorite yet. I think The Wall of Storms will do that for you! Enjoy!

[@andrewhanson405]

Great Video! These books have been on my radar for awhile. The House of the Dragon has me rereading ASOIAF again, I'm also finishing up R Scott Bakker's Nueropath, and have Stephen King and Grant Morrison's new outsoon novels pre-ordered but I think I need to weave this series into the line-up as well

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Andrew! I've been having this itch to reread ASOIAF for a while now, too. I definitely have to read R Scott Bakker's books ASAP! He's been on my radar for a while now! :)

[@milom5030]

What an exceptional review!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Milo! :)

[@ToriTalks2]

Definitely picking this series up to read before the end of the year!

[@PetrikLeo]

I look forward to hearing you loving this! :D

[@fjuran1]

Great video as always. I have all four books, and have read the first book quite a while ago. I will need to reread book one before moving forward, although I have so many books to read as a result of all your wonderful recommendations. By the way just finished Of Blood and Fire.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Frank! If it has been a while, rereading book one first will be great. I hope you'll love the rest of the series. And Of Darkness and Light is even better than Of Blood and Fire! 😊

[@adycardiac698]

Just watched this….I’ve gotten back into reading last year….especially fantasy type stuff…read Joe Abercrombies books a few years back and have read all John Gwynnes books recently and now on Jade Legacy…..tbh I’m a bit nervous about this as sounds pretty intense…..but I’m intrigued.

[@PetrikLeo]

Great to hear you reading fantasy again. And yeah... Dandelion Dynasty is pretty intense at times. However, just like all the awesome series, there are plenty of beautiful and hopeful moments as well! :)

[@adycardiac698]

been on the lookout for next thing …so thanks to your review I’m going to get it…..really have enjoyed watching the forum vids about John Gwynnes books too…you guys have really got me enthusiastic about reading again….thankyou

[@safinan8008]

Hi 👋 The Grace of King by Ken Liu it was a great read for me, I’m so excited to read the rest of the series! Thanks for this video 🎬🎥 happy September reading to you!! 🍂🍃

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! Glad you loved Grace of Kings, Safina! :)

[@caseyknolla8419]

Greatly looking forward to experiencing this series

[@PetrikLeo]

Yessss! I hope you end up loving this series as much as I did, Casey! 😁

[@rumpelRAINS]

Great video!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much!!

[@DavidHands]

I was wondering where I knew Ken Liu's name from and eventually worked out he translated The Three Body Problem. I don't know if I will read this series. If I ever find the books cheap somewhere, I might pick them up.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah, he did an excellent job translating those books, too! :)

[@tomsativa]

Yeeesss ty. love the first 1. I got book 2 coming in the mail

[@PetrikLeo]

Awesome!! First book was awesome but the second book is super amazing!

[@giulendo3371]

Hi Petrik i'm from Brazil and i put the Grace of kings on my TBR after watch you talking about It few videos ago 😅. The way you talk about It made me curious

[@PetrikLeo]

That's wonderful to hear! I hope you'll enjoy it when you get around to it! :)

[@annabts3912]

I heard that you like blood song book , i would like to recommend the inda series , it is also a underrated series that i find brilliant

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah, yes! I have Inda on my TBR pile. Let's see whether I can get to that next year! 😁

[@doghairandbooks]

Hi Petrik! I'm a new follower and you've inspired me to pick up so many new series. Are mythical creatures prominent in the Dandelion Dynasty? Are there any animal companions? Thank you for the excellent content!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! Welcome to the channel! And regarding your questions, totally yes to both of them starting from the 2nd book and beyond. 😁

[@thatsci-firogue]

I will, just wanted a break from a series of very long books first lol. But rest assured, if I don't get to it this year, definitely next.

[@PetrikLeo]

That's understandable! I hope you'll love this series. I'm having the big series fatigue too at the moment!

[@pappywinky4749]

I agree on every single level. This series is the epitome of chinese classic literature. Its so good and so underrated it's criminal

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! It's absolutely amazing. I can't believe how few readers are reading this series!

[@Walpurgis117]

Anyone else get the feeling that Petrik quite liked this series?

[@PetrikLeo]

I have a feeling I might know the answer to this! 🤯

[@annabts3912]

I read grace of kings and it was a great book the ending was a heartbreaking tragedy , that was all too realistic and true , there is no second chance for people who weilds power , there is no mercy , i hesitate after that to read the rest of the sereis , because the treachery and disasters to come was all apparent , it was perhaps too sad for me

[@PetrikLeo]

That's understandable. The rest of the series doesn't shy away from those tragic moments and deaths, too. It's one of the main reason why i love the series so much. But I understand if it's also too sad. 🙂

[@blueberrycomics]

When you said I haven't done one of these WYSR since 4 months for Riyria, I was like yes you have for Green Bone Saga. 2 minutes later I search it on yt to double-check-OH MY GOD THAT WAS 9 MONTHS AGO.

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahahahaha! Believe me, i did the same thing... I was shocked when I found out it's almost a year since I made WYSR Green Bone Saga! 🤣

[@blueberrycomics]

@@PetrikLeo emotional damage lvl20

[@chasebrammer851]

I’m very interested in this series but I would like to know how much fantasy is in it? Is it like game of thrones where the fantasy and magic takes a backseat or more like lotr or neither and has very little of it

[@PetrikLeo]

@@chasebrammer851 more like Game od Thrones. There are meddling gods, but their involvement are more subtle. Close to zero magic in the series. 🙂

[@chasebrammer851]

I might have to check it out I’ve heard great things about it I’ve read all the big name fantasy novels and have yet to find anything else to scratch that itch

[@Blobinator1993]

Heard lots of good things and would quite like to pick it up but for some reason the audiobooks aren't for sale in the UK.

[@PetrikLeo]

That's odd. I hope the audiobooks will be available in the UK soon, too!

[@tineraloves3943]

I want to read the series, but like others have stated, it probably won’t be until next year. I need a go fund me page for book purchases.

[@PetrikLeo]

Understandable! We all need a go fund me page tbh hahaha. xD

[@judoshrew]

Man I hate Speaking Bones, but really Zathin Gulf is your favorite fight? Ken Liu writes some excellent tactics, no arguements there, but oh my gosh I cannot believe so many people like it. Silkmodic Force is probably the most eyeroll inducing addition, especially in how ken liu has to force flashbacks in the middle of fight scenes to get them, and just does a lot to explain forces that are mundane in the normal world but present them like we have never heard of them before. It comes off as cheap. Most importantly, Gin has no reason to fight with na 'aroenna. Gin is the smartest living character in the setting, and has always been a tactician that has been measured by her mind, but this time for some reason she decides to use a weapon that is clearly too large for her for no reason. Even arguing that its her pride becoming physical is dumb because she is too smart of a character for this. She had always been about practicality, but not here. Besides, symbolically it doesn't fit with na 'aroenna. The weapon is cursed, it is the doubt ender because mata zyndu's story is about betrayal and losing trust in everyone around him, and ultimately turning to violence to quell his fears about people turning on him. In the end, Kuni never killed Mata, Na' aroenna did. Something Ken Liu basically confirms in the last book because he loses all trust in the reader and no longer writes subtext cause he thinks his readers can't think for themselves by saying "where doubt ends, evil begins". But the point is, na aroenna is not the symbol he seems to think it is, even back then.

[@PetrikLeo]

Agree to disagree. What Ken Liu did, for me and many other readers, worked really well. I will say, though, I totally understand regarding the flashback in the middle of big battle. The one in Battle of Zathin Gulf was alright for me. I love the utilization of Silkmotic Force. But the one in Speaking Bones can indeed be overkill as he used 3 flashbacks in one battle. Other than that, cursed or not, Na-aroenna is still a symbol of power due to Mata Zyndu's strength and achievement. And I absolutely LOVE Gin wielding that weapon. Sorry you hated Speaking Bones. I hope your next read is better!

[@judoshrew]

@@PetrikLeo Hey thanks for replying. I know its not always the best when someone disagrees but I appreciate it. I think I had a lot of trouble with these books because I loved Grace of Kings, I'd easily put it as a 5 star book. Ken Liu became very interested in modernism and nonviolence, but I think it took him to some dangerous places. I felt Jia needed real consequences, because so much could have gone wrong and had to go her way to succeed. Also, I feel like the Lyucu were depicted in very black and white ways, that since they are explicitly mongolian, come off as racist. Like sure, some of these things are based off of real things that happened, but you can cherry pick all day. It feels like all the good lyucu are redeemed just by their love of dara. Its frustrating because Ken is clearly well read and understands the complexity of culture (maybe a little too much sometimes, he does rip stories out of ancient traditions. Basically every little parable seems to be from real life. He literally does the three swords tale and the butterfly dream from the zhuang zi, I hear GoK is also really closely tied to the chu han contention). Ken Liu clearly has the capability to win me over, but something really changed as things went on.

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

Re-rememnber

[@PetrikLeo]

True that!!

[@kingfisher9725]

Oooof... Maybe I should just stop watching your channel! 😅 No, I won't. But how am I to find the time to read all the books you've been recommending so eloquently? Anyways. Just ordered them... 😊

[@PetrikLeo]

Nuoooo!! hahaha. Glad you found my videos useful, though. I hope you'll love them! :)

[@_Erock-]

trying to find the series in hardcover

[@PetrikLeo]

I think all the US hardcover are still available. It's trickier for UK hardcover though.

[@locolima279]

Perhaps we all make an effort to stop using phrases like "underrated" & "overhyped". Ty

[@PetrikLeo]

Stopping the phrases underrated and overhyped? Good luck with that. 😅 And why? This series is almost never talked about before this year. And that's only on Booktube. Plus, the first and third book do receive plenty of negative ratings.

[@locolima279]

@@PetrikLeo Hmm. I liked the 1st book well enough. But, struggling to finish the last 200 pages of book 2. Already planning on pushing the next 2 books back.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@locolima279 Nothing wrong with that. If a book doesn't click with you, it can't be helped.