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

challenging 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? It's complicated

4.0

This book is incredibly well written but it is also one of the darkest fantasy’s I’ve ever read. It’s addicting to read and filled with what it truly means to be great and terrible; it does not shy away from the horrors of war and the horrible choices that we sometimes think are right. It is hard to get through chapters at times and sometimes hard to truly connect with our characters but it is also a story I have never read and characters that are incredibly human. You definitely need to read something more lighthearted after this. I appreciate the one sentiment we get to at the end
Spoiler that all of our choices are our own. There is no thing as destiny.
Spoiler This story is also such a departure from romantic fantasies that I tend to love. This a political war fantasy at its core with a young girl who is discovering who she is and the sacrifices she will make for those she loves.
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