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

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

4.0

 I had high expectations for this book because of the praise I’d seen on social media and I’ve got to say it didn’t disappoint.

I loved part I because it reminded me of training arcs that you see in shonen animes which I have a sweet spot for. But, I do have to admit once I got to part II I hit a reading slump that was extremely hard for me to get out of. It picked right back up in part III though and I couldn’t put the book down again.

Part III was definitely the hardest to get through in terms of writing only because of the vivid descriptions of war that I wasn’t as prepared for as I thought I was.

However, the internal struggles the character we're dealing with, especially Rin, as a result of the destructions they’d seen made them so much more real for me. I was in full stress mode throughout the whole book because Rin was making some questionable decisions that I knew would have irreparable consequences on not only her and the people around her but EVERYONE, but that’s what makes her such an interesting character.

I know it’s only going to get better (and gorier) from here. I’m apprehensive but also excited to see where Rin’s character goes from here. It’ll probably mentally and emotionally destroy me but that’s a risk I’m willing to take. I can’t wait to start the second book.
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