Scan barcode
A review by paperbacksandsnacks
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of the most complex books I’ve ever read, but because of that I couldn’t possibly give it anything less than 5⭐️. The writing was STUNNING. The talent pouring from these pages is honestly mind blowing!
I did find this book dense and slightly challenging. But not because of how it was written, I think the story was told wonderfully and clearly, I just had to re read parts as there is A LOT of information to take on board. So this is definitely a book that requires focus.
The characters are all super complex. You’re constantly battling conflicting feelings for them and whether you agree with the way they’re conducting themselves. The elements of mystery and the curiosity it invokes in the reader is super clever.
I enjoyed the few (small) moments of humour and thought they did break up the heaviness well. Because take this as a warning, this book is HEAVY. It is a story spanning years that are filled with violence, war, fighting and so many horrors.
Whilst a beautifully written tale, it is not the fun fantasies we may be used to. It is no ACOTAR, and you will need to enter this having read the content warnings. It is a real and vividly honest depiction of war, interwoven with friendships, found family, and fantastical/magical elements.
If you’re in the market for a new fantasy to get your teeth stuck into, with a complex world and story then this might just be for you. But I would advise protecting yourself against the very harsh content and only reading if you feel safe to do so.
I did find this book dense and slightly challenging. But not because of how it was written, I think the story was told wonderfully and clearly, I just had to re read parts as there is A LOT of information to take on board. So this is definitely a book that requires focus.
The characters are all super complex. You’re constantly battling conflicting feelings for them and whether you agree with the way they’re conducting themselves. The elements of mystery and the curiosity it invokes in the reader is super clever.
I enjoyed the few (small) moments of humour and thought they did break up the heaviness well. Because take this as a warning, this book is HEAVY. It is a story spanning years that are filled with violence, war, fighting and so many horrors.
Whilst a beautifully written tale, it is not the fun fantasies we may be used to. It is no ACOTAR, and you will need to enter this having read the content warnings. It is a real and vividly honest depiction of war, interwoven with friendships, found family, and fantastical/magical elements.
If you’re in the market for a new fantasy to get your teeth stuck into, with a complex world and story then this might just be for you. But I would advise protecting yourself against the very harsh content and only reading if you feel safe to do so.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Bullying, Murder, Physical abuse, War, Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Child abuse, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, Racism, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts