A review by mir_frog73
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

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

This book man. Chapter 21 has probably the most gruesome account of war I’ve ever read or been told about and the fact that it was based on true events is horrific. I’m naming my bat rin because she’s an icon. Part 1 was incredible I read it in one day, the school setting was so much fun to read and learn about everything. Part 2 felt a little long but the end of part two was very intriguing. I enjoyed the plans and strategies. Part 3 was horrific, I also read it in one day I’ll never get over venka’s dialogue. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Kidnapping, Self harm, Sexual violence, Slavery, Toxic friendship, Vomit, War, Abandonment, Body horror, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Torture, Sexism, Trafficking, Blood, Child death, Confinement, Violence, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, Animal death, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Genocide, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, Racism, and Cursing