The Poppy War: A Novel (The Poppy War, 1)

“War doesn’t determine who’s right. War determines who remains.” I didn’t entirely know what I was getting into when I started this book, I had just heard this trilogy recommended over and over but knew little beyond what was in the book blurb on the back. This is a complex, compelling, at times uncomfortable, and multilayered historical fantasy story that left me reeling at the end. The writing is so good and the world - like the story itself - is grounded in reality and built so completely. The first part of the book made me really root for and love Rin as a character and cheer for her through her struggles. I also think it set the Nikaran empire up and how it works super well, the world was very defined and I felt like we got to know the rules. Then, in part two and three, the story I thought I was reading took wicked turns and became something wholly different. Which is not unlike Rin realizing the world and people around her - as they truly are - are not the same as who she built them to be in her mind. This book shocked me to my core at times. TWs of drug addiction, war, war violence, propaganda, torture, rape, racism, genocide, etc. are evident in this book and it does not shy away from the brutality and themes of dehumanization in war. If you are unfamiliar with the history behind the Second Sino-Japanese War and/or the politics in mid-20th century China, you will be even more shocked. Even knowing loosely about it, there were many things in this book that had me shaken to my core… and then came to find in the author notes that they were take directly from historical accounts of battles and genocides in that time period. But I firmly believe the brutality and violence and the descriptive nature of the atrocities is a necessary part of the story at large and the paths our character traverse. The story and character transformations wouldn’t be possible without it. As you go through the book, you are immersed and actively working through the transformation war and revenge have on a person. Their mind, their views, and their justifications of their actions. I did like the discussions of choice vs destiny in this book and how Rin grappled with that, especially at the very end of the book. It is sure to shape her future as Rin continues on her journey towards revenge and fighting for her country through lines that are now blurred. I am definitely going to continue the series, but I need a nice palette cleanser before I jump back into this world.

Amazing writing, politics were easy to understand and you really felt for the characters. Amazing book!!!

i loved this book from start to finish. i couldn’t put it down because each chapter is chock-full of compelling story, character and setting descriptions, world history, ACTION, etc. the world-building was so well-done. kuang is sooo good at presenting information about the world that isn’t awkward at all, or just thrown in there. they perfectly integrate it into whatever scene is going on in the book. i loved rin’s character and her sass in the beginning of the book. it really showed how determined and scrappy she is, which made me want to root for her more. during the second and third parts of the book, the story got so much more complex and had all these different factors to consider. i think kuang did such a good job making these complexities work together, in a way that isn’t overly confusing and hard to follow. it isn’t a perfect 10 because i wish the ending was different/less sad :(

This book at the end hit me hard after reading the authors note. Its my first time dipping my toes into historical fantasy. It starts off as a hopeful fun and funny adventure. This book is jam packed with a lot of great storytelling. But as thick as the color of blood, this book became very difficult/thick towards the end because of how descriptive it becomes BEWARE! Not for the faint of heart.

If you want a true high fantasy book set in an Asian country where society is so dystopian, this is the book for you. Fair warning towards the middle of the book, as it gets very gore-y and violent (obviously due to the Poppy War). This is the first novel that I’ve read from R.F. Kuang and omg she’s become one of my favorite writers. She’s done so much research on similar facets from Asian countries, taking heavy inspiration from real-world events. Can’t wait to read the next in the trilogy!