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

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

3.75

  Really putting the grimdark in the grimdark fantasy. 
  Knowing modern Chinese history made reading this a lot more enjoyable. It's not historical fiction, but the events DO parallel modern Chinese history. If you know, you'll know. 
  I enjoyed the book a lot - it portrays war incredibly well, not just using it as a background setting. It shows the horrific and sickening suffering endured by the victims of war.
Chapter 21 was a lot to take in. The aftermath of the attack in Golyn Niis was so horrible to read. Knowing that the massacre in Golyn Niis was based on the Rape of Nanjing just made it a lot worse, especially hearing Venka's account of being at a relaxation house. It was physically painful to get through that part and I had to take a break from it.

  However, what didn't sit quite well with me was
its depiction of Speer. At first, we see that Speerlies are referred to as "brutal violence-crazy savages". Which makes sense, as it is Nikan propaganda. Our main character also challenges this. But this never really gets subverted. Even though there are plausible explanations, the Speerlies have a horrible god and all. But what makes this really not sit well with me is that Speer is based on Taiwan, and the Speerlies is based on indigenous Taiwanese people, which has some outdated implications. 

  Overall, I'd say it's pretty solid. I enjoy the main character's development was incredibly well done. I'm pretty excited to read the rest of the trilogy. 
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