Book: The Poppy War A Novel by R.F. Kuang
Reviewed by Anonymous
Rating: 4/5
War orphan Fang Runin (Rin) seeks to gain control of her own life by taking the Keju, essentially an entrance exam for the college). Not only does she pass but she ACES it and is chosen to attend the most elite military school in Nikan.
Rin soon discovers that her struggles won't stop there. We then follow Rin on a brutal and defining journey of self discovery and path altering decisions.
The Poppy War has been on my TBR for a long time and I am so glad that I finally read it. The writing is direct and leaves nothing to the imagination. At times the writing feels YA but the themes are decidedly not YA. The pacing is variable but it was done in a way that had me ebbing and flowing along with the story and what was happening at the time.
Rin is a strong willed character with a drive to survive. But at what cost? What happens when that will is driven by desperation and vengeance? This might be controversial but I actually liked the facets of humanity and war that seem to be being explored through Rin's character and I am interested to see where R.F. Kuang takes us from here.
The Poppy War tackles themes of colonialism, power, corruption, war, dehumanization and addiction.
I advise checking the content warnings prior to starting The Poppy War as it is definitely grimdark and gets descriptive.
I think The Poppy War would be good for readers of books such as Alchemised and Red Rising. Books that also examine the darker aspects of war and humanity.
4 out of 5 stars