The Poppy War - R.F. Kuang.

The Poppy War.

Author: R.F. Kuang.

Pages: 530 pages, Paperback.

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adult, High Fantasy, YA, War, Magic.

Published: May 1st, 2018. By Harper Voyager.

Goodreads Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.17

Hii, my fellow readers. This week's book is 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang. The first book in the Poppy War series. An epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China's twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic.

This was such an intense read. The book was divided into 3 parts. The first part was the part where Rin entered the school and lived a "normal" but firm life. The second part of the book is where Rin gets to learn more about the elements and the Gods. I have to say that this part had a very slow pacing. The third part was very intense and dark. So be aware of the trigger warnings before you start this book. 

The characters were very interesting. You'll get to know them at the beginning of the book, but when you think to know them, they grow a lot during parts two and three in a way that is beautiful to follow. They struggle with certain thoughts and deeds each and every day because of the things that they endure. I love how they've been written in a kind of realistic way. For example, our MC Rin is very young, sarcastic and a little bit childish in the beginning. But in part two she starts to understand the things and Gods and decisions that are made more because of certain things. In part three you will see how the events affect her character. The writing of the character growth is amazing. I normally don't enjoy books without a romance, but this was very well written.

The world-building is big and exciting to discover. It was very complex and interesting, because of the magic system Kuang made and the harsh politics that the world has endured. Yes, you need to focus during the reading. But it didn't feel like a task to read this book. I loved the magic system.

As I said, this book was intense to read. In a good way. This is an Asian-inspired book and I may not be Asian, but I felt that in a way. (It's inspired by the Sino-second Japanese War). It felt so realistic and harsh to read (drug addictions, violence, mental breakdowns). It has a good balance between fantasy and history. And I must say, this is a good military fantasy book. This is a trilogy and I'm very curious about the next books in this series. It's normally not a book that I usually pick, but I enjoyed it, even though it took me some time to finish it. I did enjoy this book. It was an emotional rollercoaster but a good and heavy one. 

Synopsis:

When Rin aced the Keju, the test to find the most talented students in the Nikara Empire, it was a shock to everyone. That she got into Sinegard - the most elite school in Nikan - was even more surprising. 

But surprises aren't always good.

Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Fighting the prejudice of rival classmates, Rin discovers that she possesses a lethal, unearthly power - an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher, Rin learns that Gods long thought dead are very much alive - and that mastering these powers could mean more than just surviving school.

For while the Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy war, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most people calmly go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy war is just a spark away...

Love, ❤

DarkBlue.