A review by arecordofki
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Okay I've been avoiding this book and anything R.F. Kuang because of how everyone always ends up devastated by it, but I have always been curious about the story, and her writing.
This book was very real, and reflective of not only the world's current state, but also brings back the atrocities of the past and reminds you that what may have been history is still repeating itself and it truly gets you to reflect.
The book itself surprised me with its light-hearted tone at the start, and I was laughing at bits and pieces, falling in love with Rin as a character and getting attached to others. I like to think I don't cry quite easily when it comes to books, happy tears are easier to elict from me than sad ones, and this book wasn't an exception.
the Golyn Niss scene was gruesome and sickening, and yet I was relatively alright reading it, however it was when Venka recounted her experience with the soldiers and them mentioning mutilating young girls that really....that really did something that made me need to put the book down for a hot minute.


R.F. Kuang is really good at capturing every side: the good and the bad, and honestly her ability to make me question whether we truly are on the good side is pretty damn great. I'm a bit more intrigued to continue and read the rest of the series.
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