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

adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Loved this book from the very beginning. The writing makes it come to life and the characters are so vivid in their descriptions.
The one thing I would say is to take the trigger warnings seriously. Every single tw I can think of applies to this book in gruesome, graphic ways, so just beware of this before reading.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Genocide, Gore, Grief, Kidnapping, Medical content, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Self harm, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, and Infertility

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Eating disorder, Grief, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, and Torture

Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Body shaming

This book contains very graphic triggers. Please be mindful of the trigger warnings and age recommendation (I would say 17+). Reader discretion is advised.