Wow. That was a wild ride.

Growing up as a big lover of Chinese history, I absolutely adored all of the history and exposition of this world Kuang has weaved together. Absolutely beautiful, heart-wrenching, and batshit crazy, The Poppy War is a fun and exhausting journey (with two more books!!!).

I really enjoyed following Rin, and I love how openly flawed she is. I always find stories that repeat about destiny and pre-determined fates interestingly difficult themes to focus on because ultimately, what makes them work is the characters. Choices and destiny are absolutely the main, thematic elements of this narrative, and I am here. For. It. Especially with it being so well done and reinforced by every single character.

I won’t spoil anything, but if you love amazing writing and great world-building, you’ll love this one. I’m so excited to read the Dragon Republic next.

A trigger warning for my fellows: the book mentions r@pe A LOT. Like, a lot, especially after part 2. Fortunately, Kuang does not glorify it nor is there anyone particularly boasting about it, but I caution those reading it because I know it can legitimately trigger people.