A review by a2412z
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I can't even think straight. I could not put this book down despite having other extremely important things to do. I'm sitting here, shell-shocked because that was a journey. Something new and worse at every turn, endless misery, and so. much. burned down. 

The story is so heartbreaking, and the characters are compelling. Rin's descent into madness and vengeance was so scary and I was begging her to make a different decision while knowing what she would do. I'm still not ready to accept Nezha and Altan's deaths. I hated Nezha and still don't really like him much but I can't believe his death happens like that! No. And despite multiple characters believing Altan to be dead, it is not once explicitly confirmed and that's the sort of thing I think the Phoenix would confirm. Also Chaghan and Altan have far too much to resolve for that storyline to end this abruptly.

My one qualm is that I wish the book was longer. I wish the first part was expanded and written with more detail and description. At times I wanted to see the passage of time, be shown what was happening rather than just be told. For a book that deals with mature themes the simplicity of the prose at times made it read like a Y/A novel. Especially part 1. Although it would make for a longer and slower reading experience, I feel that is the one thing that would really elevate the book so much more. 

I am regardless excited to finish the trilogy. Not knowing what is to come is burning me. Ha!