A review by lizmart88
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

adventurous dark sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Amazing worldbuilding in just one novel, drawing on the history of China as well as the world history of wars and battles. I loved the building toward the question of  - how and why do people dehumanize others? What affect does it have on our hearts and our humanity? 

Rin is a character loveable for all her flaws and determination to succeed despite her difficult childhood. She is frustratingly smart and relentless and we watch her fly headlong into terrible choices while still cheering her on. She carries this novel so well as we learn more about the world of the Nikara and Mugen, enemies for so many years they can't remember why they hate each other when they are so alike. 

This is book one and I'm excited to keep reading the trilogy. 
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