Reviews with content warning for Addiction - Опиумная война

Reviews tagging 'Addiction'

Опиумная война by R.F. Kuang

2257 reviews

adesroches's review against another edition

2.0

Content Warnings

kotacoyote's review against another edition

4.75

challenging dark emotional 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

Content Warnings

dezrdz's review against another edition

3.75

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

popsicle_frog's review against another edition

3.75

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I'm still trying to formulate all of my thoughts after finishing this last week. I really struggled with the pacing of this book and the lack of what I think would have been fluid movement from each major beat to the next one. I also wish there had been better character development. I struggled to make an emotional connection with most of the characters (and not because they make morally-questionable decisions, that is actually part of what makes them the most interesting).

Though, I was quite devastated by Altan's sacrifice.

I plan on continuing this trilogy, but unlike some other series, I did not automatically reach for the next book.

Content Warnings

cberri's review against another edition

5.0

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: Complicated

I would definitely recommend. I know not everyone loves the MC (on account of her downward spiral in the 2nd half of the book), but I kinda like her. She's not exactly likable, for many reasons, but she interests me. And more importantly, I think this is the sorta book that focuses on plot. Not that the characters are unimportant or lackluster but this book isn't interested in having you like them. It seems obvious to say, but these characters exist to tell the story, and they tell it well.

Despite it's length, I was a bit hooked all the way through. I would agree ,generally, that the first half is a much faster read. I think the second half drags just a bit, not due to its pace or interest, but simply because its a bit brutal to get through. I don't find it distasteful though. I'll definitely be checking out the sequel.

Content Warnings

gibgabgob's review against another edition

4.5

challenging dark 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

This is a book that starts grim and gets darker. A well written story that builds the world from the perspective of a main character who is also now learning the history of the world she lives in. Check trigger warnings before you get into it as there is a lot of dark topics that are talked about and described.

Content Warnings