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

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-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? No

5.0

This was an amazing start to what I’m sure will be an amazing trilogy. With that being said, prepare yourself. This has a compelling and universal story involving colorism,  class, war, and death. Heact trigger warnings for some of the most specific, harrowing, bleak, and unfortunately accurate depictions of the horrors of war.
Some of the lore (🙃) and world building requires more explanation in my opinion but I’m sure it will be more clear after another read. Which i will not do for a while for my mental health. This was a brilliant but heavy read.
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