A review by samchase112
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

adventurous challenging dark 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

4.75

War doesn't determine who's right. War determines who remains.

This book is absolutely EPIC. We follow Rin through her journey from war orphan to an aspiring soldier in Nikan. R. F. Kuang has masterfully woven together a fantastical world with the reality of militaristic Japan and its 20th century relations with China. The threads of history work so beautifully with those of Kuang's fantasy, and that may be the best part of this book. War, sacrifice, revenge, culture, it's all so well done. The first part, Rin's experience at Sinegard, was definitely my favorite, because we got to know Rin so well as a character. But the others were captivating in their craziness; while I feel like we skipped out on some important scenes
(especially Rin's relationship with Altan)
, these may have been cut by ruthless editors looking to shorten the text, and even so I was so enthralled by the story that I honestly didn't care much. I can't say much that hasn't already been said - this book is dark, yet absolutely incredible.
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