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

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

AMAZING. One of the best books I’ve ever read. This book doesn’t romanticize war and violence the way a lot of fantasy novels do; the author doesn’t shy away from the reality of it. The world building is really well done and no description felt unnecessary. I’m a little scared to read the rest of the series but I know I will just because I was so blown away by book one.  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and Colonisation