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

adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

On the back of this book, there’s a quote that says “I thought myself prepared. I was not”. That statement is entirely correct. This story was fantastic, the characters were achingly real, I understood each of them. Despite the many moving pieces, I understood everything I needed to about what was going on, which I sometimes need to take time to do with fantasy epics, which goes to show R. F. Kuang knows how to keep her writing clear. The first half of the book I would say was simply enjoyable, a classic tale of a student leaving behind and escaping her life with a bleak future for the promise of a bright future at a renowned school. Learning about the world through her, watching her work hard, it was all exactly the kind of thing I’ve loved before. But while the second half is just as good, if not significantly better, you should know it’s completely different. It’s harrowing, with vivid, disturbing imagery and descriptions, that can only be described as devastating. There are high levels of violence, of all kinds, so just proceed warned and with caution. All of that being said, R. F. Kuang is a fantastic writer, and clearly has been since she began publishing, I will read anything she writes. But I hope she understands that I need a break of a few fluffy books before reading the next instalment of the Poppy War.   
Expand filter menu Content Warnings