A review by jhbandcats
The Burning God by R.F. Kuang

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

4.0

I had a really hard time with this book, the last in the Poppy War trilogy. I loved the first, did not like the second, and was overwhelmed and exhausted by the third. Every time I put it down, it was harder to pick it up again. It’s rarely taken me so long to finish a book but I refused to give up. 

The good part was that Rin was powerful again, not whiny and miserable as she’d been in the second book. The battle scenes were gripping, and the strategy sessions were fascinating. But the periods in between battles felt like slogs. 

As a whole, the trilogy is incredible. It amazes me that the author wrote these books between ages 19-23. Her skill at research and writing is unparalleled. You feel the mud and the rain, you smell the filth of the army, you know that weariness and hunger. But after 1600 pages,  I, for one, didn’t want to be there. 

I hope Kuang keeps writing - she’s just astonishing. These last two books were just too difficult for me to experience. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings