Review: The Poppy War

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In The Poppy War, R.F. Kuang created an amazing web of war and magic in the intricate nature of identity exploration. This work is more than a fantasy novel; it's a deep introspection about the human condition, wherein heroism and villainy are blurred with an unyielding world. Every time I turned the page, I found myself amidst an awful and awesome tale, against which the notion of sacrifice and power was being forced upon.

The story follows the protagonist, Rin, a dark-skinned war orphan hailing from the poor and rural south of the Nikara Empire, as she gets an unexpected admission to Sinegard Academy. There, she is thrown into a lethal world of politics, competition, and magic; perfecting her skills in military school as demons from her past and the war, which is ever-growing, strike. What impressed me most while reading this book was the perseverance and determination of Rin, much like my favourite protagonists from Brandon Sanderson's novels. However, Rin's story is particularly harrowing: she confronts the brutal truths of her past as well as the savage reality of the world around her.

Kuang's writing is marvellous. The world-building is so very complex, delving into a world with influences from the history of 20th-century China, steeped in strong cultural background and great amount of real solemnity.

Fascinatingly, the magic system is heavily shamanic and tightly linked. The style in which Kuang weights fantastic elements against brutal war realities to create a haunting comment on the cost of power, the consequences of choice, hit me from page one.

One of the most poignant moments in the book, for me, was the way in which Rin grappled with her power, having to witness the devastation it wrought. The emotion in those kinds of scenes was palpable, even forcing me to confront the darker sides of ambition and revenge. Kuang does not hold back when it comes to the horrors of battle, and his ruthless honesty made every win feel earned and every defeat heartbreakingly sad. All the graphic brutality does two key things: it allows the sorrow and terror of war to be illustrated, and further lets these episodes play a significant role in the characters' development.

Ultimately, The Poppy War became something much more than I'd expected: a mesmerizing tale that forced me to truly rethink my stands on morality and humanity. It's hauntingly beautiful, and something that I really think every fantasy reader should experience once. The themes of resilience, identity, and the consequences of power are deeply sewn into the very core of the story and will leave their mark long after the last page is turned. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for its profound emotional depth, intricately crafted characters, and breathtaking world-building.

Content Warnings

Graphic - War, Genocide, Violence

Moderate - Rape, Addiction, Drug use

Minor - Vomit, Infertility, Animal death

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