Book Review: The Poppy War Trilogy by R.F Kuang

 

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        Was she now a goddess or a monster? Perhaps neither. Perhaps both.

Set in the powerful, bloodstained Empire of Nikan, The Poppy War trilogy draws heavily from the Second Sino Japanese War, bringing to paper wars on an epic scale with a determined grit to match. I was recommended to read this book by a friend, and when I picked it up, I could not put it down.

The story follows sixteen year old Fang Runin, a war orphan from the dusty South, as she carves her way into Nikan's bloody history. Desperate to escape a unwanted marriage and the barren, opium ridden village of Tikany, Rin tests into Sinegard, Nikan's premier military academy, known to favour the children of nobility, close to the Empress of Nikan herself. 

Alone, with nothing to her name, Rin is an outsider in her school, facing the dangers of not being accepted in a hostile environment. But when her rage manifests into something truly surreal, she must come face to face with the brutality of her new home, a looming war, and a fate that will determine the course of her nation.

I found The Poppy War to be a fantastic blend of warfare, politics,religion and history, bringing to life the horrors of war and a nation torn apart by overweening ambition. Rin was a deliciously fresh character whose emotions captured battle in all its nuances, from violence and greed to cold, bloody vengeance and human suffering. The intricate blend of religion and magic tips the balance of victory and defeat, making for a high stakes read. 

I love how the series tackles themes of racism, colonialism, political warfare, classism, corruption and, of course, love. Rin is is a bold character frought with flaws; her hunger for glory and acceptance makes her an engaging character, and a dangerous enemy. Her relationships are beautifully written and developed. Rin is the perfect example of the mountains many climb to victory, and where they ultimately meet their fall.

R.F Kuang writes groundbreaking novels with bold characters and immersive plots, including Babel, Katabasis and Yellowface. Her amazing grasp on character building and fantasy has plummeted her to the top of bookish fame.