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

4.0

This went in much more complex and dark twists and turns then I expected when I first picked it up. Getting through it certainly was a journey, but I’m glad I stuck it out!

I truly loved part one, and thought it would set the tone for the rest of the story. Boy, was I wrong. I really struggled with part two, both because it was confusing to me but also because I had to take a moment to grieve what I thought the book was gonna be like. And it was really dark and have parallels to real life atrocities that truly twist my stomach and keep me up at night. Everything tied in splendidly in part three and even though I thought this series wasn’t for me I’ll continue reading it. 

I’m beyond impressed that this was the authors debut novel published before her 22nd birthday! The complex world building and magic system, knowledge of warfare, drugs and trauma - and the writing style. Absolutely gobsmacked!

I recommend everyone who is affected by triggers to look them up before embarking on this journey of a book, and to stick it out if it should feel rough!
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