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elizabeth_helmer's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Rape, Torture, Gore, War, Xenophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Racism, Drug use, Drug abuse, Death, and Addiction
mangooba's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
LOOK UP A TRIGGER WARNING LIST PRIOR TO READING. if you think youre fine and dont need one, do it anyways. this book goes heavily into graphic descriptions of genocide, SA, war, death, child death, and abuse. take care of yourself.
that being said, i found that this book was very well written and the character development was both realistic and well done. the mc has drastically changed, while shes obviously the same person in several ways, she is also not the same person in many other ways. that might not make sense without reading the book. if you dont have the reading comprehension to understand that decisions made are supposed to be poor decisions, and that characters will not be all good or all bad and its an incredibly complex situation just dont read this.
that being said, i found that this book was very well written and the character development was both realistic and well done. the mc has drastically changed, while shes obviously the same person in several ways, she is also not the same person in many other ways. that might not make sense without reading the book. if you dont have the reading comprehension to understand that decisions made are supposed to be poor decisions, and that characters will not be all good or all bad and its an incredibly complex situation just dont read this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Genocide, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Slavery, Blood, Murder, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Child death, Sexual assault, Drug abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Drug use, Kidnapping, Racism, Rape, and War
Minor: Death of parent
the racism tag is fantasy racism inspired by real world values and views held by racist individuals, and racist regimes/systems.piprigsby's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
between a 4.0 and 4.5 so 4.25 but it was a very interesting read and as for character development, i think it was more of character DEvelopment as in rin got more destructive throughout the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, Racism, Sexual assault, Torture, Rape, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Slavery
mj_dor7's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
overall a good read!! definitely a lot different than yellow face. It’s my first time reading a book from an author with such a wide range
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, Racism, Colonisation, Rape, Addiction, Sexual harassment, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual violence, Genocide, War, and Sexual assault
pinkystar_bobsky's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Never before has a book moved me like this. Never has a book left me distraught and at a loss for words. Never has a book moved me to tears. The Poppy War reached into my chest and ripped it straight out, cut it to pieces, feigned putting it back together only to crush it yet again. It took me four days to complete this and yet I do not regret the length. I needed to let this book simmer in sections, to digest it in chunks at a time, or else it would completely overwhelm me.
R.F. Kuang's writing is gripping from beginning to end. Her words brought every scene to life right before my eyes.I was there, in Golyn Niis, walking beside Rin, taking in the devastation inflicted by the Federation. I saw the bodies, I smelled them. I felt all the grief, the anguish, the rage. If there was a happy moment in this book, I do not remember it.
To read that a lot of the events that took place in Golyn Niis were grounded in reality put a pit in my stomach. Even as I was reading that scene, I got a sinking feeling that it was too real. Real people did this to other people. But even then, it is still incomprehensible; the level of inhumanity, that people might be capable of such heartless deeds, of such cruelty. That's why my feelings on this book are so conflicting; I start giggling and screaming at how good this book is, at how incredible the author is, but I am always reminded of the reality of it all. It almost feels wrong to say that I enjoyed this book...but I did. It felt good to cry, when Chaghan revealed the details of the obscenities that young Altan was forced to see, to endure. It feels good to read such great art, to have a writer be able to pull out such human emotions from me.
Due to depression and adhd, for months I have had a difficult time reading books. I could not read more than 8 pages at a time before getting distracted, or simply losing the will to read on, even if it was a book I really looked forward to reading. I am so, so happy that I am in a better place now, I'm on medication, I'm exercising, taking better care of myself, literally touching grass. I'm so incredibly grateful that I was in the right state of mind to fully enjoy this story. And I'm glad I took my time with it and didn't rush to binge it on one day, no matter how gripping it was. I'm so incredibly lucky to have read this.
I am also entirely unprepared to read the next three books. I cannot imagine what more pain R.F. Kuang is about to inflict on me. I don't know if I'm ready but I'm starting The Dragon Republic straight away. Holy fucking shit man, I'm kinda terrified to continue this lol
R.F. Kuang's writing is gripping from beginning to end. Her words brought every scene to life right before my eyes.
Due to depression and adhd, for months I have had a difficult time reading books. I could not read more than 8 pages at a time before getting distracted, or simply losing the will to read on, even if it was a book I really looked forward to reading. I am so, so happy that I am in a better place now, I'm on medication, I'm exercising, taking better care of myself, literally touching grass. I'm so incredibly grateful that I was in the right state of mind to fully enjoy this story. And I'm glad I took my time with it and didn't rush to binge it on one day, no matter how gripping it was. I'm so incredibly lucky to have read this.
I am also entirely unprepared to read the next three books. I cannot imagine what more pain R.F. Kuang is about to inflict on me. I don't know if I'm ready but I'm starting The Dragon Republic straight away. Holy fucking shit man, I'm kinda terrified to continue this lol
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Death, Violence, War, Blood, Genocide, Murder, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Grief, and Racism
anxiousshorebird's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This book was difficult. I found myself rolling my eyes and struggling to continue through the first half. At one point I resigned myself to reading purely out of curiosity, rather than enjoyment. Normally I would DNF a book loke that, but I've seen trusted reviewers praise this book and I was curious about the mysteries slowly being uncovered. Then about half way through I couldn't stop reading.
This book suffered from mismatched tone and some bad pacing. It felt like a YA magic school novel (complete with a Draco Malfoy type character) for way too long. Then by the end it was a grim dark, violent, war torn character study. It felt like an abrupt shift. Looking back, I see some merit to experiencing the MC's journey from determined teenager to hardened soldier along with her. While reading it, however, I found myself wishing her origins were told through intermittent flashbacks.
I really enjoy the world that Juang created. I love that she hasn't shied away from a DEEPLY flawed main character. Frankly, I don't even like this MC. But o sure loved reading her story once I got passed the slog of her schooling.
All in all, it's far from a 5 star read for me, but it's a very commendable debut novel. I won't hesitate to read the rest of the trilogy. I plan to read a light romance before the next Poppy War book though, because this shit got DARK.
Speaking of, please check the content warnings. Since the beginning is so much more tame than the rest, it's worth the risk of spoiling yourself a bit to make sure you know what you're getting into. I recommend skipping chapter 21 if you're someone who can take a lot, but have a limit.
This book suffered from mismatched tone and some bad pacing. It felt like a YA magic school novel (complete with a Draco Malfoy type character) for way too long. Then by the end it was a grim dark, violent, war torn character study. It felt like an abrupt shift. Looking back, I see some merit to experiencing the MC's journey from determined teenager to hardened soldier along with her. While reading it, however, I found myself wishing her origins were told through intermittent flashbacks.
I really enjoy the world that Juang created. I love that she hasn't shied away from a DEEPLY flawed main character. Frankly, I don't even like this MC. But o sure loved reading her story once I got passed the slog of her schooling.
All in all, it's far from a 5 star read for me, but it's a very commendable debut novel. I won't hesitate to read the rest of the trilogy. I plan to read a light romance before the next Poppy War book though, because this shit got DARK.
Speaking of, please check the content warnings. Since the beginning is so much more tame than the rest, it's worth the risk of spoiling yourself a bit to make sure you know what you're getting into. I recommend skipping chapter 21 if you're someone who can take a lot, but have a limit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, War, Body horror, Death, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Blood, Violence, Drug abuse, Cursing, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Medical trauma, Sexual violence, and Torture
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Self harm, Addiction, Excrement, Animal death, Infertility, and Pregnancy
Minor: Alcohol, Racism, Toxic friendship, and Trafficking
tne_network's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book got me back into reading. I could not put it down. The author has a way of writing that sucks you into the mind of this young woman and you understand why she chooses the choices that she does. Through circumstance after circumstance that she has been thrown into, this coming of age story is less about the character's maturity developing, but finding the power inside and facing the demons within and outside herself. I have been fully consumed by the main character's emotions and it has been hard to pick up other books after finishing it, so I have decided to finish the trilogy before starting another book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: War, Gore, Violence, Genocide, Injury/Injury detail, and Drug use
Minor: Murder, Racism, Infertility, Vomit, Child abuse, Self harm, and Confinement
kashna83's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0
Es difícil describir este libro porque como ya pasaba con Babel, es como leer varios libros en uno. En general, me ha gustado... le pongo 4 estrellas bien puestas... Pero tiene PEROS...
La ambientación es una China medieval ficticia, aunque hay eventos históricos basados en hechos reales. Hay algo de fantasía, pero es arriesgado ponerle esta etiqueta. Pongamos que tiene... rasgos fantásticos, o más bien, mitológicos.
La protagonista es Rin, una campesina huérfana que su sueño es entrar en la academia militar de Sinegard, para labrarse un futuro que no sea ser esposa o prostituta. Es fuerte, valiente y tenaz. Aunque también le mueve la venganza. Ese es un rasgo que no me suele gustar demasiado en los personajes, pero en este libro no me ha costado entender sus motivaciones como me pasa en otras novelas.
Si tuviésemos que poner una etiqueta, además de la "fantástica" sería "bélica". Hay mucha guerra, y guerra de verdad: no batallas. Guerra. Guardias eternas y solitarias, enemigos sin rostro, miedo, crueldad, y en algunos momentos, una violencia brutal.
Me ha gustado:
- La parte de Dark Academy, muy entretenida.
- Los personajes que aparecen y lo que representa cada uno de ellos.
- Como escribe Rebecca Kuang. Simple y contundente.
- Toda la crítica y reflexión sobre temas muy actuales como: la brutalidad de la guerra, la justicia, la venganza, el uso de las drogas, el colonialismo, el genocidio... No te deja indiferente.
No me ha gustado tanto:
-La parte bélica se me hace un poco larga en algunos momentos.
-Mis altísimas expectativas. El otro libro que leí de la autora es Babel, y me voló la cabeza. Y pensaba que este me gustaría más... y no. Me ha gustado, un poco menos. Pensaba que tendría más reflexión, más posicionamiento ideológico, y lo tiene... pero comparado con Babel, se queda corta.
Aun así es muy buena novela y cuando pueda leeré la 2a parte!
La ambientación es una China medieval ficticia, aunque hay eventos históricos basados en hechos reales. Hay algo de fantasía, pero es arriesgado ponerle esta etiqueta. Pongamos que tiene... rasgos fantásticos, o más bien, mitológicos.
La protagonista es Rin, una campesina huérfana que su sueño es entrar en la academia militar de Sinegard, para labrarse un futuro que no sea ser esposa o prostituta. Es fuerte, valiente y tenaz. Aunque también le mueve la venganza. Ese es un rasgo que no me suele gustar demasiado en los personajes, pero en este libro no me ha costado entender sus motivaciones como me pasa en otras novelas.
Si tuviésemos que poner una etiqueta, además de la "fantástica" sería "bélica". Hay mucha guerra, y guerra de verdad: no batallas. Guerra. Guardias eternas y solitarias, enemigos sin rostro, miedo, crueldad, y en algunos momentos, una violencia brutal.
Me ha gustado:
- La parte de Dark Academy, muy entretenida.
- Los personajes que aparecen y lo que representa cada uno de ellos.
- Como escribe Rebecca Kuang. Simple y contundente.
- Toda la crítica y reflexión sobre temas muy actuales como: la brutalidad de la guerra, la justicia, la venganza, el uso de las drogas, el colonialismo, el genocidio... No te deja indiferente.
No me ha gustado tanto:
-La parte bélica se me hace un poco larga en algunos momentos.
-Mis altísimas expectativas. El otro libro que leí de la autora es Babel, y me voló la cabeza. Y pensaba que este me gustaría más... y no. Me ha gustado, un poco menos. Pensaba que tendría más reflexión, más posicionamiento ideológico, y lo tiene... pero comparado con Babel, se queda corta.
Aun así es muy buena novela y cuando pueda leeré la 2a parte!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Torture, Violence, War, Death, Addiction, Blood, and Hate crime
ldod's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Became much more brutal than I expected. Well written but not going to read the next books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Genocide, Racial slurs, Physical abuse, Murder, Xenophobia, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Child abuse, War, Torture, Sexual violence, Racism, Sexual harassment, Mass/school shootings, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Colonisation, Death, Violence, Sexual assault, and Rape
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, and Drug abuse
arguhlincozzi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Drug abuse, Sexual violence, Child death, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Self harm, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Colonisation, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Body horror, Classism, Racism, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Forced institutionalization, Drug use, Torture, Violence, War, Gore, Body shaming, Child abuse, Grief, Murder, Rape, and Emotional abuse