The Poppy War

This book is one of a kind. I was so immersed while reading it that I completely forgot everything around me. R. F. Kuang crafted this world and it's characters with so much care and the result is an epic fantasy with many different layers. I really liked that there is more than one typical story arc that our main character Rin goes trough. In the beginning she's an outsider/underdog who trains hard but also finds out she has a special gift. But then in the second part of the book the world around her dramatically changes and she has to rely on her own instincts and powers while she also finds friends that are like her. But don't be fooled: Rin is no heroine and her choices leave you wondering: Is she a godess or a monster?

Wow! This was an amazing start and introduction to this trilogy! The writing is stunning. The world is cruel and brutal, the characters are unreliable and will get on your nerves. The magic is fabulous, the mythology aspect is beautiful. I also really enjoyed the historical setting very much. This book gripped my attention from page 1 and I was on the edge of my seat until I finished it. It was thrilling, it had me screaming, it made me cry and angry and I felt so much for the characters, even though they were kind of annoying, especially Rin is definitely an unlikable main character and I am so happy she is the way she is because she fits the story perfectly. I am enjoying how unpredictable this plot and the characters were, and I will definitely continue with this series, because book one was simply one of the best books I ever read. This deserves all the hype it is getting. Bravo! 5 out of 5 Stars for this masterpiece!

I usually don't gravitate towards reading grimdark fantasy, but as The Poppy War has been praised by readers all around I had to give it a try! And I do not regret it a bit! The writing was straightforward, but it had a strangely beautiful rhythm to it - I was immediately drawn into the story. The magic system was very unique, as it's based on Shamanism, meditating and/or fast-tracking it by taking opioids. The author amazingly conveyed how a power like this comes with a huge price: by losing your humanity, ethics and clear mind. Another aspect I adored about the writing was how well constructed the main character was. She was very ambigious with understandable goals, but morally questionable decisions and actions. You root for her, but at the same time hate her. You clearly feel for her struggles and craving for power, but you also see the destruction she evokes with her actions. Overall such a good read, but with some heavy subject matter so only read it if you are in a headspace for it!