The Poppy War book review | 5 star read

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Series: The Poppy War #1
Published by Harper Voyager on May 1, 2018
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 531
Format: Paperback
Goodreads

A "Best of May" Science Fiction and Fantasy pick by Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Audible, The Verge, SyFy Wire, and Kirkus
“I have no doubt this will end up being the best fantasy debut of the year [...] I have absolutely no doubt that [Kuang’s] name will be up there with the likes of Robin Hobb and N.K. Jemisin.” -- Booknest
A brilliantly imaginative talent makes her exciting debut with this epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic, in the tradition of Ken Liu’s Grace of Kings and N.K. Jemisin’s Inheritance Trilogy.
When Rin aced the Keju—the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academies—it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who believed they’d finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free of the servitude and despair that had made up her daily existence. That she got into Sinegard—the most elite military school in Nikan—was even more surprising.
But surprises aren’t always good.
Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Targeted from the outset by rival classmates for her color, poverty, and gender, Rin discovers she possesses a lethal, unearthly power—an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher and psychoactive substances, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive—and that mastering control over those powers could mean more than just surviving school.
For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The militarily advanced Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most of the people are complacent to go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away . . .
Rin’s shamanic powers may be the only way to save her people. But as she finds out more about the god that has chosen her, the vengeful Phoenix, she fears that winning the war may cost her humanity . . . and that it may already be too late.

Fantasy has always been one of my favourite genres. Recommendations for this book come in left and right. It’s completely justified. The Poppy War is a brilliant read. I blew through reading it, and the story took me by surprise! Starting this book I definitely didn’t expect a five-star rating but I could give it nothing else. The writing is beautifully detailed and well done. There is so much about this book that I can’t put into words the love I have for it. I’m so looking forward to the other books in the series and seeing if they all live up to the hype of the first one.

Characters in The Poppy War

Rin is the classic underdog character, who no one expects to do well, which can be one of the most annoying and overused tropes. However, this is not the case with this one. Although I know the trope there was something new and fresh about these characters that drew me in. I adored meeting the different groups of students. There are definite tropes playing out within the ‘cliques’. But they ended up growing on me and adding to the story in an interesting way. I think the strength in this story is the stories and politics behind each of the characters and how they play into the world around them. This includes both assumptions and realities.

I really love the way relationships develop and move through the story. This again, goes back to the politics and how the characters all play into this. There is such complex things at work and these are children, and seeing them have to take on all of that responsibility can be really heartbreaking at times! I love watching them work out each other’s weaknesses and strengths and how best to utilise them. Beautiful writing and so much development, which is everything I want in a story!

Good and… the Good

The Poppy War, a five star read, has no down points. I loved everything about this book, it kept my attention and moved me in all the right places. It is definitely a book for people who love high stakes and politics and war strategy, but there is an abundance of characters and wonderful world building and development. I actually felt exhausted after reading it. But I plan to do it all over again when I eventually pick up the second one. This might actually become one of my favourite series of all times, as long as the other books hold up to the scrutiny. I can’t see why they wouldn’t but I have been disappointed before.

I definitely think my favourite part of the story was the world-building and integrating all the fantasy elements. It is flawlessly done. This book will forever be the perfect match between war strategy, fantasy and character development, which is something I really struggle to find and enjoy in books these days.

Recommendation?

Yes! Yes! Were you really expecting a different answer? I think this book is all kinds of perfect and if it even slightly interests you then pick it up. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Please let me know if you’re reading or going to read this one, I need more people to fangirl with!