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A review by paigereitz
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
Damn. This book is dark as hell and packs a punch. The main character isn't always super lovable/sympathetic, but is very realistic insofar as trauma responses and culture shock she experiences. This may have been the most brutal fantasy I've read insofar as the descriptions of carnage - and I've read Game of Thrones - but dang, it was compelling and the magic system was unique and interesting. Getting away from Eurocentric fantasy opens a lot of doors.