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

adventurous challenging dark funny reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
After reading more of the rest of the series, and reading interviews and articles from the author, I've edited my review to a higher rating. Something I initially didn't mesh with with this book was that I was promised emotional damage, and when I finished it, that's not what I felt. (at least with book 1). But after reading everything and doing more research, I've come to realize that that was because of my personal cultural perspective.

I was an uneducated reader going into this- I had no idea that it was based on the Second Sino Chinese War and the Rape of Nanjing. I didn't understand a lot of the cultural nuance and historical perspective that was placed into this book. I liked the heroine, sure, and I liked how she's an antihero. But now, knowing what I do about the cultural depth and the nuance and references, how can I not give this book five stars? How can I not be horrified and in awe of this book (and series) as a whole?!

This should be a required read for all fantasy readers. It's not pretty. It's not nice. But it is absolutely astounding.

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