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A review by drjoannehill
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm not sure if I wasn't concentrating or if this is a mess. In places the writing is great, the story is interesting.... And then it all gets in a jumble, rushed, and head in a spin - what is happening? Why did this character just do that? Why is this storyline being skimmed over? I much preferred the first part in the war college to the later parts when they were actually at war.
Reading this at the same time in listening to the audiobook of Iron Flame is also a mistake, because both are about war college with unlikely, physically weak, heroines who find their niche ... And The Poppy War does not compare well to Iron Flame unfortunately (and surprisingly).
Babel demonstrated a much improved writing style for Kuang. Still contemplating if I'll read books 2 and 3 (for a book club)
Reading this at the same time in listening to the audiobook of Iron Flame is also a mistake, because both are about war college with unlikely, physically weak, heroines who find their niche ... And The Poppy War does not compare well to Iron Flame unfortunately (and surprisingly).
Babel demonstrated a much improved writing style for Kuang. Still contemplating if I'll read books 2 and 3 (for a book club)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Vomit, Injury/Injury detail, Genocide, Animal death, Racism, War, Torture, Drug use, Blood, Child death, Colonisation, and Confinement