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

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-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

4.25

For me, this book read like the story of Attack On Titan but with a Chinese, Maoist inspired coat. I really enjoyed it, the comparison doesn’t diminish the excellence of the book. The critique of pacing and the academy arch was valid, it was definitely not as exciting as later parts.
The Nanking inspired massacre was the emotional high point of the novel. I found it very moving as someone who is Chinese, it was personal. Some may say it was unnecessary, I felt it made sense as it was something that effected all of the characters in some type of way, it’s impact can be felt in later books as well. Its brutality still is lighter than the real events, and I hope this book has helped many people to learn about the Nanking Massacre.  Rin is a very complicated character. She went from a hard-working small-town girl to a genocidal warrior in one book, but the character development felt understood. Is she someone I should personally support? Not at all, but I enjoy the grey morality she exists in.
Overall, I loved this book, it’s a start of a great series. Is the hype deserved? Not entirely, because many misadvertise it as a romance. But it is still a great book.
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