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

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

4.0

I really enjoyed the poppy war!
Rin is a great, fascinating main character. Her strong will, craving for power, hot temper and the anger she feels made for a great, unique protagonist. Eventhough she and other characters of the main cast were definitly not always likeable moral characters, one could empathise and root for them. Altan, Nezha etc. Were also good characters.  Plotwise the storys progression was fitting and the worldbuilding was interesting, but not to complex to not be understandable. I couldn't put the book down. Towards the end though i must say it was quite brutal and gruesome. Eventhough i understand why that choice was made, i was not prepared and it was too much for me. I personally did not think the violence had to be that graphic and disturbing to fullfill its purpose. And be aware of not just violence and torture but also graphic retellings of sexual violence.
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