Review by bri_14 - The Poppy War

bri_14 's review for:

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

5.0

dark tense medium-paced

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Whew this book was a RIDE. I thought it was gonna be much lighter than it actually was. But it might’ve been for the best bc it’s a more accurate portrayal—using people as weapons/vessels, the propaganda, loss of life and not in the literal. These kids had no childhood, causalities never got to age. Very depressing. It kinda feels like reading Naruto Shippuden once they hit the war eps. But it’s like being in the mind of Sasuke instead of following Naruto. Rin would both idolize and despise that man😂

I was NOT able to predict any of the deaths.

Irjah, of course but ALTAN???

I really thought he would’ve lasted til the end. But I think it was better off if

Venka

died bc hearing her experience is kinda traumatizing. Realistic tho but just gruesome, I think my mind would’ve snapped.

I’m thinking Rin will help reform the country, similar to the stories of the previous emperors or the play she watched with Kitay. I think ppl will fear her too much to harm her—maybe her master will put a finger to her forehead again and still her mind. And I refuse to believe

Nezha

is dead!!! There’s no way that would’ve happened off book, if he does die Rin will have to witness it bc she cares too much about him

Content Warnings