Book Review: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- Mikayla Leskey
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Mikayla Leskey | Arts and Entertainment
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang is a militaristic fantasy book and by far, one of the most popular books I’ve ever read. It exceeded every single expectation I ever had. Even while I was reading this book, despite most of its popularity being from a few years ago, I would have strangers coming up to me to gush about The Poppy War.
Inspired by the second Sino-Japanesse war, especially by the brutality of the Nanjing Massacre, one of the bloodiest and darkest times of Chinese history. R.F. Kuang masterfully illustrates the brutality of war. It goes without saying that The Poppy War is violent, cruel and barbaric in certain scenes. If you’re looking for a happy-go-lucky kind of book, stay far away from The Poppy War. Sure, there’s some scenes that make you cheer for the characters, and it makes it feel like everything will be alright, but overall, this book isn’t something to be taken lightly.
The main character, Fang Runin, or Rin, is one of the best female characters ever written. Everything she wanted to achieve she did through hard-work or questionable decisions. She never cared about who got in her way, what kind of dangers she faced, or what kind of choices she’d be forced to make. From the get-go it’s clear she’s willing to sacrifice civilians for the greater good. More than that, when she starts to love and respect someone, she would absolutely burn the world for them. Rin is frustrating to understand and angry to a fault, she has all the traits that are usually considered to be antagonistic, but that makes Rin all the more compelling.
It’s difficult to sum up The Poppy War in just a few paragraphs, it might even be a disservice, considering you go through what feels like an entire trilogy in the span of 500 pages, but it doesn’t feel like it. I know, I’m probably contradicting myself there, but let’s put it this way; not once did The Poppy War ever feel rushed, a feat in itself considering it spans across years. We watch Rin grow into who she becomes, we’re able to understand the choices she makes, even though we might not fully agree with her.
Sidenote, there’s also no romance in this book. Surprising for a dark fantasy, but it makes it just a little bit better knowing the main character isn’t focused on any of that. There’s definitely some set up for future love-interests, but nothing set in stone. The fantastical element actually makes this book all that much better. I’ve always been partial to fantasy reads, but the way Kuang is able to describe some of the gods Rin meets or the astral plane, it feels as if she’s been there herself.
| “She was not dabbling in forces she could not control, for the gods were not dangerous. The gods had no power at all, except what she gave them. The gods could affect the universe only through humans like her. [...] And she would call the gods to do such terrible things.”
Once again, I must reiterate that this book isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s extremely violent and makes you realize the true meaning and brutality of war. For all the good this book has, from flourishing character arcs to the imagery, there are also faults in both. R.F. Kuang doesn’t hold back in describing the violence her characters go through.
Overall, The Poppy War deserves every single positive review it receives. There’s a reason it’s still talked about years after its release. The world-building alone deserves will make you be in awe of R.F. Kuang’s skill at writing, let alone her way of shaping characters or her descriptiveness. If you do intend to pick this book up, then please heed the trigger warnings. But other than that, this book will force you to confront the idea of going to war and if it’s really worth it.