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

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

4.0

R.F. Kuang is an amazing writer and storyteller. This was heavy in world building but not so much so that I felt lost. The topics especially towards the last third of the book were difficult to read but handled well by Kuang. Similar to Babel, I believe all the characters are very flawed in their own ways but you do find yourself rooting for them even if they might seem in the wrong (looking at you Rin). However this book basically gave me a big warning not to expect any happy endings here so going into the next two books with that in mind. 
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