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xalrynne's review
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Burning God is definitely Kuang’s best work and the most well-crafted installment of the Poppy War trilogy. Fans will be excited for this conclusion full of unexpected events at every turn and a bittersweet ending that I still don’t fully understand. (This book, like both the others, gets three stars from me because I don’t particularly enjoy everything going on in the story and I had to force myself to read it at times, but each book is progressively better than the last one, but none of them reach four stars for me personally.)
The Burning God is just as dark and violent as the previous two books. War is raging in Nikan, and the Nikara are up against not only the Dragon Republic but also the foreign Hesperians with their new technologies.
This book focuses on Rin and Nezha, allies-turned-enemies on opposite sides of a war that neither of them wants to fight.
This book takes a look at what it means for invading forces to completely take over your city and your country and put you under their rule without your consent. Rin is both awed and terrified by the Hesperians’ technology and doesn’t know whether to embrace it or shun it, but ultimately the Hesperians are the colonizers, and they obviously don’t take into consideration what’s best for the people they’re colonizing because they think their own way of life is the best and the Nikara are subhuman at best. It’s interesting to see colonization from the other point of view; so often in school what we learn was written by the victor—by the people and forces who took over—but this book shows us what it’s like for all the other people on the inside.
We see new types of shamans in this book, which I loved. I won’t explain anymore so as not to spoil, but I’m super glad they were introduced so we could see wider implications of this magic than just Rin’s abilities.
This isn’t my favorite fantasy series out there but I can’t deny how well it’s written and the impact of its harrowing story. None of the characters in this series are particularly likable and there isn’t a whole lot of hope, but I still enjoyed the journey nonetheless. The Poppy War trilogy is way darker than I normally prefer my books to be, and I want to emphasize the huge amount of trigger and content warnings in this series. It is full of horrific and descriptive scenes of war and all the brutalities that happen because of that. Basically if you can imagine a trigger warning, this series probably has it, so make sure you’re in a good headspace before you start reading it.
My Book Blog: Storeys of Stories
The Burning God is just as dark and violent as the previous two books. War is raging in Nikan, and the Nikara are up against not only the Dragon Republic but also the foreign Hesperians with their new technologies.
This book focuses on Rin and Nezha, allies-turned-enemies on opposite sides of a war that neither of them wants to fight.
This book takes a look at what it means for invading forces to completely take over your city and your country and put you under their rule without your consent. Rin is both awed and terrified by the Hesperians’ technology and doesn’t know whether to embrace it or shun it, but ultimately the Hesperians are the colonizers, and they obviously don’t take into consideration what’s best for the people they’re colonizing because they think their own way of life is the best and the Nikara are subhuman at best. It’s interesting to see colonization from the other point of view; so often in school what we learn was written by the victor—by the people and forces who took over—but this book shows us what it’s like for all the other people on the inside.
We see new types of shamans in this book, which I loved. I won’t explain anymore so as not to spoil, but I’m super glad they were introduced so we could see wider implications of this magic than just Rin’s abilities.
This isn’t my favorite fantasy series out there but I can’t deny how well it’s written and the impact of its harrowing story. None of the characters in this series are particularly likable and there isn’t a whole lot of hope, but I still enjoyed the journey nonetheless. The Poppy War trilogy is way darker than I normally prefer my books to be, and I want to emphasize the huge amount of trigger and content warnings in this series. It is full of horrific and descriptive scenes of war and all the brutalities that happen because of that. Basically if you can imagine a trigger warning, this series probably has it, so make sure you’re in a good headspace before you start reading it.
My Book Blog: Storeys of Stories
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Addiction, Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Excrement, Genocide, Gore, Grief, Mental illness, Murder, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
codyemma's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Violence, Sexual violence, Torture, and Mental illness
ghulsona's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a glorious end to a fantastic series! I think the best way to describe this book is like watching a train wreck happen in slow motion - you know things are going to end disastrously, but you simply cannot look away. The writing is immersive and keeps me at the edge of my seat as always.
Rin's gradual slip into insanity is something that I predicted from the first book, but it still gutted me to read about her downfall in this book. Do you know the tumblr post that goes like "i am a war criminal i am clinically insane & the next virgin mary & i am never going to die etc etc"? I feel like that is the exact embodiment of the character Rin becomes over the course of this book. Reading about her descent into madness was extremely interesting - she's already thinking of herself as this legendary figure that history will sing about before they've even won the war! The hubris! Her love for Kitay being a tether to her humanity made me so so so sad. The last scene truly destroyed me. I get why a lot of people wouldn't like her character, but I found her her thirst for vengeance and her struggles with identity (who is she without a war to fight for?) so fascinating. She's definitely a character that I will think about for a long time.
Kitay, Kitay, Kitay. I loved him so much - his genius, his ethics, how he loves and loves Rin despite everything and cannot deny her anything. "Take what you want, it said. I’ll hate you for it. But I’ll love you forever. I can’t help but love you. Ruin me, ruin us, and I’ll let you." Wow!His last words telling Rin that she's hurting him absolutely destroyed me.
The Trifecta finally coming together was something that I was really excited to read about. Jiang! I missed him dearly and felt Rin's heartbreak when he really isn't the man we met in the first book anymore. I also grew to like Daji more than I thought I would. I was expecting Riga to be horrible, but his monstrosity cannot be understated. I wish we could've gotten more of them - their time was up almost as soon as we finally had all 3 of them together, and it doesn't make that much sense considering how powerful they were? Oh well, I did really enjoy the little that we got of them.
For the other characters: Rin finally realizing that Altan had been extremely flawed, but still heeding his words and keeping his memory and voice alive in her mindspace was interesting. Venka! I'm heartbroken about her end, but I loved the small moments she had with Rin. I didn't see much of Nezha so I don't have much thoughts to offer about him, but I'll read "The Drowning Faith" soon to get his perspective. The mastery and execution of his powers was really cool to read about, and the last scene really hit home how young he is despite the burdens placed on his shoulders (how young all of them are, really).
There are some things that I wished were explored more. For example, Speer! I am honestly left with more questions than I had before. How did Rin survive the genocide? I want to know more about Hanelai! Also, I thought the subplot about Chaghan's people would be tied into the story, not solved outside of the text. Speaking of Chaghan's people, I thought we would get more about Tseveri! I also wish there could've been more exploration of the vengeance and violence that takes ahold of the South following their liberations. What were the fates of Kesegi and maybe even Tutor Feyrik? Also, what is up with the Hesperians!?! How did they even find those god-neutralizing weapons? This was definitely intentional, but the uncertainty of Nikara's future by the end of the book really had me distressed.
Misc moments that I really liked: Rin's small memorial to Jiang at the base of the mountain and her last thoughts to her old mentor. Her last thoughts about the endless circle of violence and her thinking about others who once stood in her place to make the choice she had to make. Rin's mentoring of the new shamans (I wish we had gotten more of them as well, but alas)! "Dying was easy. Living was so much harder—that was the most important lesson Altan had ever taught her". Rin finding the poppy fields outside of Tikany and having that brief burst of hope. Rin getting her revenge on Sister Petra!
Overall, I really did love this book. I haven't picked up a book in a long time that's captivated me as much as this series has, I'll probably think of it for a long time. Read the Poppy War!
Rin's gradual slip into insanity is something that I predicted from the first book, but it still gutted me to read about her downfall in this book. Do you know the tumblr post that goes like "i am a war criminal i am clinically insane & the next virgin mary & i am never going to die etc etc"? I feel like that is the exact embodiment of the character Rin becomes over the course of this book. Reading about her descent into madness was extremely interesting - she's already thinking of herself as this legendary figure that history will sing about before they've even won the war! The hubris! Her love for Kitay being a tether to her humanity made me so so so sad. The last scene truly destroyed me. I get why a lot of people wouldn't like her character, but I found her her thirst for vengeance and her struggles with identity (who is she without a war to fight for?) so fascinating. She's definitely a character that I will think about for a long time.
Kitay, Kitay, Kitay. I loved him so much - his genius, his ethics, how he loves and loves Rin despite everything and cannot deny her anything. "Take what you want, it said. I’ll hate you for it. But I’ll love you forever. I can’t help but love you. Ruin me, ruin us, and I’ll let you." Wow!
The Trifecta finally coming together was something that I was really excited to read about. Jiang! I missed him dearly and felt Rin's heartbreak when he really isn't the man we met in the first book anymore. I also grew to like Daji more than I thought I would. I was expecting Riga to be horrible, but his monstrosity cannot be understated. I wish we could've gotten more of them - their time was up almost as soon as we finally had all 3 of them together, and it doesn't make that much sense considering how powerful they were? Oh well, I did really enjoy the little that we got of them.
For the other characters: Rin finally realizing that Altan had been extremely flawed, but still heeding his words and keeping his memory and voice alive in her mindspace was interesting. Venka! I'm heartbroken about her end, but I loved the small moments she had with Rin. I didn't see much of Nezha so I don't have much thoughts to offer about him, but I'll read "The Drowning Faith" soon to get his perspective. The mastery and execution of his powers was really cool to read about, and the last scene really hit home how young he is despite the burdens placed on his shoulders (how young all of them are, really).
There are some things that I wished were explored more. For example, Speer! I am honestly left with more questions than I had before. How did Rin survive the genocide? I want to know more about Hanelai! Also, I thought the subplot about Chaghan's people would be tied into the story, not solved outside of the text. Speaking of Chaghan's people, I thought we would get more about Tseveri! I also wish there could've been more exploration of the vengeance and violence that takes ahold of the South following their liberations. What were the fates of Kesegi and maybe even Tutor Feyrik? Also, what is up with the Hesperians!?! How did they even find those god-neutralizing weapons? This was definitely intentional, but the uncertainty of Nikara's future by the end of the book really had me distressed.
Misc moments that I really liked: Rin's small memorial to Jiang at the base of the mountain and her last thoughts to her old mentor. Her last thoughts about the endless circle of violence and her thinking about others who once stood in her place to make the choice she had to make. Rin's mentoring of the new shamans (I wish we had gotten more of them as well, but alas)! "Dying was easy. Living was so much harder—that was the most important lesson Altan had ever taught her". Rin finding the poppy fields outside of Tikany and having that brief burst of hope. Rin getting her revenge on Sister Petra!
Overall, I really did love this book. I haven't picked up a book in a long time that's captivated me as much as this series has, I'll probably think of it for a long time. Read the Poppy War!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Body horror, Grief, Mental illness, Racism, Gore, Murder, Religious bigotry, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, Suicide, Xenophobia, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Addiction, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
Minor: Animal death
hanarama's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Good:
Powerful and natural character development.
Strong world building.
Lots of action.
The Bad:
Skips around a bit, some telling rather than showing.
Little chance to relax between emotional highs and lows.
You'll Like This Book If:
You like Daenerys' story in A Song of Ice and Fire.
If you like morally gray characters.
Stories about the horrors of war and the dangers of power.
The final book of the Poppy War trilogy is one emotional gut-punch after the next. Having broken away from the Republic, Rin is building up forces of her own and she is willing to do anything and everything to win this war for herself and the people of Nikan.
Through all of this she struggles against the allure of the Phoenix and its power. If she gives herself over to it, she will become a goddess of war and retribution, but she will lose humanity in the process. At times it is only Kitay keeping her anchored. With the war against the Republic and Hesperians dragging on and the number of betrayals increasing, Rin's sanity is fraying and it seems only a matter of time before she is lost to the Phoenix.
Powerful and natural character development.
Strong world building.
Lots of action.
The Bad:
Skips around a bit, some telling rather than showing.
Little chance to relax between emotional highs and lows.
You'll Like This Book If:
You like Daenerys' story in A Song of Ice and Fire.
If you like morally gray characters.
Stories about the horrors of war and the dangers of power.
The final book of the Poppy War trilogy is one emotional gut-punch after the next. Having broken away from the Republic, Rin is building up forces of her own and she is willing to do anything and everything to win this war for herself and the people of Nikan.
Through all of this she struggles against the allure of the Phoenix and its power. If she gives herself over to it, she will become a goddess of war and retribution, but she will lose humanity in the process. At times it is only Kitay keeping her anchored. With the war against the Republic and Hesperians dragging on and the number of betrayals increasing, Rin's sanity is fraying and it seems only a matter of time before she is lost to the Phoenix.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Cannibalism, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Grief, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Violence
ireadinbed's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I don't know if I have ever been filled with such a mix of love and hate for the ending of a series.
It's simply awful. But it cuts to the heart of things.
I honestly would rate this particular book in the series a 5 if it wasn't for the fact that I think the relationship between Rin and Nezha needed more exploration. She's such an unreliable narrator that I honestly felt like they barely knew each other and even with the end of the last book I found their opposition frustrating to try and understand.
But there's so much else. It can't be perfect but it's got an amazing arc. Easily the best of the trilogy. In every aspect. Absolutely amazing journey.
It's simply awful. But it cuts to the heart of things.
I honestly would rate this particular book in the series a 5 if it wasn't for the fact that I think the relationship between Rin and Nezha needed more exploration. She's such an unreliable narrator that I honestly felt like they barely knew each other and even with the end of the last book I found their opposition frustrating to try and understand.
But there's so much else. It can't be perfect but it's got an amazing arc. Easily the best of the trilogy. In every aspect. Absolutely amazing journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Dementia, Drug use, Gore, Grief, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Blood, Cannibalism, Slavery, Stalking, Torture, and Vomit
Minor: Abortion, Chronic illness, and Miscarriage
theonlyjete's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Amazing, poetic, the whole series is a must read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Suicide, Violence, Xenophobia, Medical content, Mental illness, and Blood
jessiewolf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is very good, but spoiler it is not very happy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Cannibalism, Child death, Confinement, Dementia, Drug abuse, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Grief, Mental illness, Murder, and Violence
fraboo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am really sad right now, this was a masterpiece. This cut will always bleed, I'll never be whole again. But then, that's how I like it, isn't it?
I'll miss them, and I'll miss how much they've all grown; I'll miss what could have been, had things been different; but I've enjoyed the ride and they'll always hold a special place in my heart.
I'll miss them, and I'll miss how much they've all grown; I'll miss what could have been, had things been different; but I've enjoyed the ride and they'll always hold a special place in my heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Blood, Body horror, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Grief, Hate crime, Mental illness, Murder, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Violence
kylieqrada's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Well, I finally worked up the nerve to read what I knew was going to be a devastating wrap-up to a really amazing series. I ended up giving this one 4 ⭐s, and it took me a few days to write my review because I couldn't really quantify why that was. It came down to the fact that we got to the last 20 or so pages and there was still so much more to wrap up! And then the ending happened and I was like !!!!!! That was a choice that was made! 🥶😭☹️🙄🙈😖 I really feel like this one could have used a little bit more time to fully flesh out the ending. But then the thing that happened probably wouldn't have needed to happen soooooo? My bookstagram friend Traveling Cloak's review does a really stellar job of drilling down into a critical lens of this book, if you're interested.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Violence, Toxic relationship, Racism, Grief, Gore, Drug use, Drug abuse, Death, Child death, Body horror, Blood, Animal death, and Murder
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Self harm, Rape, Mental illness, Medical content, and Gun violence
tinytrashqueen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Medical trauma, Murder, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Rape, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Cannibalism, Cursing, Medical content, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Vomit, Xenophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Excrement