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

challenging tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book honestly felt like a step down from the last two. A small step, to be sure, but still stepping down. The first half was very repetative, just re-emphasizing the themes the first two books had already drilled into us. The plot was messy and unclear. The writing style seemed to take a bit of a hit too, being less clear and relying more on cliches and tropes than I remember. But the ending was absolutely perfect. I was wary that this wouldn't be able to bring it all together in a way that felt satisfying, yet Kuang did. She made it happen. So yeah, this book might be a bit harder than the last two to get through, but it is really, really worth it.

Characters: 10
Plot: 7
Setting: 10
General appeal: 9
Writing style: 7
Originality: 9
Ending: 10

Spoiler free, Poppy War series review: https://youtu.be/H0xdme4atzo
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