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

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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

4.5

Spoilers!

I did not expect this. 

It started off well and I liked the characters, but halfway through it changed tone completely and the stakes increased tenfold. 

I think it was at Golyn Niis that I was really entranced. The whole thing seems like an epic villain arc now. I don’t think Rin qualifies as a hero anymore. Oh my goodness five stars – it’s so very morally grey.

How dare you,’ he said. His voice was overly loud, distorted through her thundering ears. ‘You misunderstand the nature of our relationship. I am not your friend. I am not your brother, though kin we may be. I am your commander. You do not argue with my orders. You follow them without question. You obey me, or you leave this militia.