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

challenging dark sad tense medium-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? Yes

5.0

No book has ever made such an impact on my brain chemistry as this one has. Sure it was a slow start, but it turned into a cascade of very descriptive and unimaginable things. I cannot fathom, even though I read it, what these characters went through. I cannot fathom the suffering any of them had to endure. And I cannot bring myself to hate them for the decisions they made. This book is such a great window into how situations can break a person. It is a window into how holding onto trauma can influence decisions. I am anxious to finish the series because I struggled getting through one particular part of the book. But I know the next two will be just as altering to my brain chemistry as this. I truly believe this series will be a favorite of mine for quite a long time.
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