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A review by emmaisnotavampire
La guerra dei papaveri by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
One of the most creative fantasy worldbuildings ever, with a lot of uncommon historical inspiration for a genre that is most often based on European Middle Ages aesthetics and Celtic folklore. The reference to imperial China and its tensions with Japan is evident, but the two forces are skilfully reimagined in a complex intertwining of family, society, education, elitism, identity, war, power, death... and magic, of course. Well, sort of. Shamanism, more specifically, but really does it make any difference what the source of one's magic is? I'd say bursting into flames or telling the future is pretty magical nonetheless.
Although it is obvious to me, having read Babel way before I read this, that Kuang's writing was still nowhere near where it is today and it has greatly evolved over time, I still loved this novel's style. The prose might not be as imaginative and inventive as in the above mentioned work, but it still functions perfectly, the rhythm flows effortlessly, all the emotions deeply conveyed, and the numerous plot twists masterfully crafted to make absolute sense without ever feeling predictable. Kuang slowly builds up element after element in her depiction of magic and religion, shamanism and mythology, conflict and history, continuously adding layers that the reader could not foresee but that, looking back, one realises have actually always been there hiding in plain sight.
I genuinely cannot wait to read the rest of the saga - and frankly, all of Kuang's production in its entirety!
Although it is obvious to me, having read Babel way before I read this, that Kuang's writing was still nowhere near where it is today and it has greatly evolved over time, I still loved this novel's style. The prose might not be as imaginative and inventive as in the above mentioned work, but it still functions perfectly, the rhythm flows effortlessly, all the emotions deeply conveyed, and the numerous plot twists masterfully crafted to make absolute sense without ever feeling predictable. Kuang slowly builds up element after element in her depiction of magic and religion, shamanism and mythology, conflict and history, continuously adding layers that the reader could not foresee but that, looking back, one realises have actually always been there hiding in plain sight.
I genuinely cannot wait to read the rest of the saga - and frankly, all of Kuang's production in its entirety!