From the Bookshelf of Ranters and Reviewers…

The Poppy War (The Poppy War, #1)

R.F. Kuang

Start date: March 1, 2021

Finish date: March 31, 2021

Discussion: BOTM

Why we're reading this: March Diverse BOTM
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November 2021 Series BOTM Suggestions
By Sofia , duckish things · 9 posts · 19 views

last updated Oct 21, 2021 11:56PM

October 2021 Continuation BOTM: The Wicked King
By Sofia , duckish things · 9 posts · 16 views

last updated Oct 21, 2021 11:55PM

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What Members Thought

Jan 03, 2021 Lia Carstairs rated it really liked it

Shelves: all-time-fav, fav-fmc, adult, fantasy, diverse-fmc, asian-mythology

"Warfare was about absolutes. Us or them. Victory or defeat. There was no middle way. There was no mercy. No surrender."

I-I've never been so terrified to continue a series as I am now.

help

“If you hold the fate of the country in your hands, if you have accepted your obligation to your people, then your life ceases to be your own.”

I am in love with this book. These characters. Ohmygod who knew the beginning of this book could be so vastly different from the end???

I lit ...more

158 likes · Like · see review

Apr 21, 2023 lookmairead rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook-life

QUICK REVIEW: Is it safe to say R. F. Kuang writes like she wants to throttle the racist patriarchy? Or at least stab it with her inky pen? Because IMHO, her angry voice wants to wake up your inner feminist and open your eyes to humanity in ways outside your comfort zone.

Her blunt and brutal world building isn’t for the faint of heart. >>>So please research the TW’s on this. <<
Now, was the pacing perfect? No. In fact, that third act reads like a fevered dream. But maybe it’s to make us feel the ...more

28 likes · Like · see review

Jan 31, 2021 Fray rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2021, favorites-2021

I’m in so much pain right now

20 likes · Like · see review

Jan 31, 2021 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: current-faves, i-am-obsessed

The power that R.F Kuang holds over me right now is thoroughly concerning. I am in pieces over her DEBUT novel and I am kicking myself for not reading this sooner. How was it possible that before I had even gotten halfway through I already knew that this would be one of my favorite fantasy series I’ve read so far! The characters, the world building, the historical element, the shamans and gods!!, the harsh realities of a war-stricken country and the morally gray actions these characters would fa ...more

16 likes · Like · see review

Apr 24, 2021 akacya ❦ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: format-ebook, audience-adult, ownvoices, asian-authors, buddy-reads, own, genre-fantasy

buddy read with xuan!

rtc

6 likes · Like · see review

Jul 06, 2020 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourites, owned, fast-paced, fantasy, east-asia, plot-driven

I didn't get the chance a review when I finished this book in July bc it's a 10/10 read that left me absolutely speechless (and I'm still reeling over how good this novel is). The God Tier novel is packed with complex characters, a very strong premise, an excellent worldbuilding, and a very even pacing. It's also clear that the author manage to faithfully incorporate influences of her culture in the worlduilding (and it all feels very authentic and very real to me). Also!!! The sublime female ch ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Oct 03, 2022 Briney rated it liked it · review of another edition

3.5(?)

Oof, this felt like a slug to get through 😪

4 likes · Like · see review

Dec 19, 2020 Kelsea Janae Hamm rated it it was amazing

Shelves: series-and-trilogys-read-2020-2021, end-of-2020-reads

After Months And Maybe Years Of Deciding To Read This Book, I Have Finally Read The Poppy War And Loved It !!!!

This Book Is The First In A Trilogy And Surprizenly I Did Not Expect To Love It As Much As I Did And That Goes To Tell You That Yes I Will Be Finishing The Trilogy And I Cannot Wait To Jump Into The 2nd Book Of This Beautiful And Just Great Trilogy

2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 27, 2024 Mariana Anaya rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3,7.

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Nov 05, 2020 Fal rated it it was amazing

I picked this book up after a friend mentioned it in passing. They said it may be something I would be interested in because it's fantasy and its war commentary. Wow, this book exceeded every expectation. First, I just want to say that there are many triggering topics within this novel and so, as a disclaimer, I will include those here.

TW: addiction, drugs, murder, genocide, infanticide, mutilation, rape, violence, war, racism

I hope I am not missing anything, but if I am, I apologize and will ch I picked this book up after a friend mentioned it in passing. They said it may be something I would be interested in because it's fantasy and its war commentary. Wow, this book exceeded every expectation. First, I just want to say that there are many triggering topics within this novel and so, as a disclaimer, I will include those here.

TW: addiction, drugs, murder, genocide, infanticide, mutilation, rape, violence, war, racism

I hope I am not missing anything, but if I am, I apologize and will change it once I'm made aware.

The book follows Runin (called Rin) who leaves her rural town through pure grit to study at the great military school Sinegard. She studies there, cultivating her knowledge in topics such as war strategy, while also realizing her own power through shamanism. Then, war breaks out in her country. From there, the story tells the horrors of war as we follow Rin and her crew through an external battle against Mugen and an internal battle over what they're willing to do for power, freedom, and their country.

I think Kuang is a very clear and effective writer. Her writing feels very grounded, even as she writes a world that is confusing and nuanced. I was expecting to have to drudge through fight scenes, as my knowledge on martial arts and war strategy is pretty limited, but I never felt lost in Kuang's writing.

Furthermore, the pacing in this novel felt perfect. I never felt like I was being info dumped. Every scene felt essential to the plot and the growth of the characters. And every plot point (even if unresolved--this is a trilogy, after all), felt like it was properly rewarded. After DNFing three books in a row because of this issue, I can't emphasize how much I appreciated Kuang's diligence in this aspect.

Lastly, Kuang's ability to craft complex characters is great. She does not make rooting for Rin easy. Instead, she paints a picture so frustratingly dark, unfair, and full of vengeance, you have no choice but to just go along for the ride. And boy, was it heartbreaking.

I really, really enjoyed this book and am about to binge the second one. ...more

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