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

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

It would hurt less if RF Kuang punched me in the gut, and I haven’t even finished the trilogy yet. The Poppy War is truly incredible. Was amazed with how well-written each character was and the flawed, yet lovable Runin. The fantasy aspect with the gods was so unique and dark, which combined with the incredible story writing had me hooked. The realistic aspects of war (although very graphic) draws parallel to true historical events. The pain, the heartbreak, the grittiness is unreal. Altan made my heart break. And Rin, oh Rin.  

***************spoilers*************

The gods will not be called willingly into battle. The gods will always demand something in return.

“Hi,” Altan Trengsin said. “What was that about losers and rejects?”

“You can’t kill me,” Altan hissed. “You love me.”
“I don’t love you, Rin said. “And I can kill anything”

Then Ramsa fell to his knees and began to cackle with laughter. “Khurdalain,” he gasped. “We were all so obsessed with holding Khurdalain.”

“I know you can.” Venka’s voice climbed in a pitch. “I heard what they said about you. You have to burn them. Whatever it takes. Swear it on your life. Swear it. Swear it for me.”

“It’ll be harder for you,” Altan said. “You’ll have to live with the consequences. But you’re brave… you’re the bravest person I ever met.”

“Those weren’t lives. They were numbers. They were a necessary subtraction.”

She was the last Speerly, commander of Cike, and a shaman who called the gods to do her bidding. 

I have become something terrible, she thought. I have become something wonderful. Was she now a goddess or a monster? Perhaps neither. Perhaps both.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings