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.