Review by makienzl - The Poppy War

makienzl 's review for:

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

5.0

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Please read trigger warnings before reading this book.

“War doesn’t determine who’s right. War determines who remains.”

It’s hard to say that you loved a book that is so gruesome, but I was absolutely enraptured. It was not a “fun read” but it was so so stimulating. The politics, themes of war, and nationality had this political science nerd underlining like crazy.

The Poppy War is the first book of the Poppy Way Trilogy. It is a high fantasy novel that takes place in fictional country called Nikara which is largely based on China. The Protagonist, Rin, is a war orphan and grows up in an abusive house of opium runners.

When she has an opportunity to study at Sinegard, the country’s most prestigious military academy, she takes it. During her studies she begins to learn that she has a unique power as a shaman and learns to hone that power. In the middle of her third year war breaks out in Nikara.

During the war Rin is subjected to horrible trauma as she witnesses the reality of war. Her trauma fuels her pursuit of power which leads to heartbreak and destruction.

This review is a real bummer, but I promise this book is worth it. It is a character study in the making of a villain - or at least a dangerous leader. Think Anakin to Darth Vader or Daenerys Targaryen. I’ve read some materials which suggests that Rin is loosely based on Mao Zedong - the Founder of the People’s Republic of China.

Content Warnings