Reviews tagging 'Addiction'

Опиумная война by R.F. Kuang

2247 reviews

adventurous challenging dark tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Every character does war crimes but the writing and characters are so good. 

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adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I absolutely loved The Poppy War. It's a brilliant and gripping novel that doesn't shy away from the darkest aspects of war—drug addiction, sexual violence, and war crimes are all explored with unflinching honesty. This is not a book for the faint of heart, but that's exactly the point. War is brutal, messy, and far from a game, and R.F. Kuang captures that reality with raw power and emotional depth. A must-read for anyone who appreciates complex characters and isn't afraid to confront harsh truths.


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adventurous dark funny tense slow-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

Though slow-paced, it did feel like R.K. Kuang was able to fit three books in one. It was unexpectedly hilarious with its sarcasm and dry humor. 
Kuang has a unique take on the literary conflict of “man vs. god.” and “man vs. man”. Do the gods decide our destiny or do we choose it?

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Kuang doesn’t pull punches. This book is violent, morally messy, and packed with ruthless ambition. The magic system is cool, the war tactics are terrifyingly real, and Rin’s rage fueled rise had me hooked.

Knocked off half a star because the pacing wobbled a bit in the middle in my opinion. But wow, what a ride. (Check your trigger warnings, please.) If you like your fantasy gritty, thought provoking, and overflowing in history, this delivers. Can’t wait to dive into the sequel. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging dark sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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