Reviews

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

fatmee's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

ameliecorriveau's review against another edition

3.0

I enjoyed this book and yet do not feel compelled to read the rest of the series. I liked learning about the second Sino-Japanese war, as I don't know much about China's history (the series is LARGELY based on mid-20th-century China). I understand, however, how frustrating it is for those who know about these events to read this series, as it is less fantasy and more historical fiction with a hint of ✨️magic✨️. I loved the fantasy additions to this book, shamanism being very fascinating, but that is about it. I found the main protagonist to be a bit boring and the supporting characters to be really shallow and bland. I didn't root for anyone, I didn't appreciate them and didn't feel anything at their death, misfortunes, or else. They could all die and I wouldn't care.

So what's the point of reading this series.....?

Also, I felt like the atrocities described in the book were extremely graphic and triggering, so be warned. I didn't expect so many horrible inhumane acts being so thoroughly detailed, I didn't feel good at all after reading a certain part, and I don't think I should put myself through that.

So that's that.. I dont think I will be continuing this series.

needlethread's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

emiliie's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-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

4.25

descrat's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

natgoh's review

adventurous 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

4.0

seaofbells's review against another edition

adventurous dark sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated

4.0

kaebbie's review

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

abbi3d's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

lenaoknihach's review against another edition

5.0

Rin se dostane na nejprestižnější vojenskou akademii v zemi. Náročné učivo, tvrdý výcvik, přísní mistři - studium s Rin a ostatními mě bavilo, a když teď vím, co si Kuangová na čtenáře připravila, mohlo se učení o pár stran klidně protáhnout.

Maková válka začíná jako nevinný příběh o sirotě, který se promění v drsnou a temnou fantasy. Nikdy jsem nezažila takhle brutálně popsané detaily násilí z války a konec knihy opravdu není pro slabší povahy.

Autorka se inspirovala druhou čínsko-japonskou válkou a masakry, které nám naservírovala v knize, se opravdu staly - o to děsivější kniha je. A s prvky fantasy spolu dohromady tvoří jednu z nejlepších ve svém žánru.