A review by kh02
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

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

4.0

Everyone has raved about this book but to me it fell kind of flat. I would rate it 3 stars for the first half and 4 for the back half. There’s a specific chapter or 2 that is extremely tough toward the end, so be cautious. I sobbed listening to those chapters. The Poppy War can get VERY heavy.
They are based on the real horrors that occurred at Nanking and contain graphics of rape, baby killing, genocide, bodies floating in the rivers, etc.


I did enjoy it! It’s one I would recommend to people, but I did not love it. Wren (sp?) the main female character is very whiny, full of herself, & can get annoying. Really hoping she progresses throughout the trilogy!

Alton’s (sp?) ending is beautifully tragic and I hope his sacrifice makes a difference! Already Wren is struggling with it in book 2.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings