Last Updated on December 27, 2022 by ThoughtsStained
I don’t think I’ve ever been so terrified to read a book in my entire life. Everyone and their cousin has read The Poppy War, as far was I was aware. And I never really knew what the book was about, necessarily: only that it broke people’s hearts. And then, when The Dragon Republic came out and everyone began panicking even more, talking about how these books bring them pain and suffering, but they enjoy it so much, I knew–I knew–that once I finally stopped cowering like a coward and read this book, I would love it just as much as the other bloggers I follow do and would hurt just as much.
Guess who finally gets to join the Rin-breaks-my-heart club?
*waves*
Book Info
Publisher: Harper Voyager | Release Date: May 2018 | Pages: 527
Age Range: Adult | Genre: Fantasy | Format: Hardcover | Source: Borrowed
When Rin aced the Keju—the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academies—it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who believed they’d finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free of the servitude and despair that had made up her daily existence. That she got into Sinegard—the most elite military 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. Targeted from the outset by rival classmates for her color, poverty, and gender, Rin discovers she possesses a lethal, unearthly power—an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher and psychoactive substances, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive—and that mastering control over those powers could mean more than just surviving school.
For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The militarily advanced Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most of the people are complacent to go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away . . .
On the Page
Referenced
Minor
Content warnings are written up by me, unless specified. Subject to being an incomplete list, though guided by referencing this list and trying to highlight as many as I can identify.
Review
Likes
- I mean, this book was nothing short of incredible, honestly. I read Part One in it’s entirety in one sitting. But I was on edge the entire time, just waiting for the pain to come. I’m already so invested in Rin and her life. But nothing to completely shatter me into oblivion, like I’d been lead to believe. (Don’t worry, you get there.)
- I had to do a lot of soul searching that still isn’t complete, because what Rin did? I approved of it. I wanted it to happen, mostly because…I think I wanted to see if she would go that far? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a character be willing to do…well, that, in the name of revenge, so driven by hatred and anger and spite. So when she called my bluff and went that far, I could only be impressed and slightly awed.
- But also, my heart shattered, because how is she supposed to survive the aftermath of that, mentally, emotionally? I just want to hold her and tell her it’ll all be okay, that she can make it through this, that one day, she can rest, even though I’m pretty sure none of those things are even remotely close to being true, after what she did? After what’s been done to her?
Dislikes
Rating
I think it’s pretty obvious that I enjoyed The Poppy War immensely. It’s unlike anything else I’ve ever read. I fell in love with Rin and was fascinated by her world. Of course, I hated her enemies and hated some of the shit she herself pulled. But I always supported her 110%–and then questioned who I am to be able to do that, after…well, you know.
I think this is a book everyone should be broken by read, because it’s going to shatter your world, but you’re going to enjoy it happening. And who doesn’t want a book that can do both?
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All of this. This book went so many places other books wouldn’t, I was fine with it because Kuang made me CARE. She made me invested. This book earns the grimdark title and yet I am fully here for it in a way I was not for another recent grimdark read, even though this doesn’t really have a “happy ending,” because of how fully developed Rin was.
Side note, I thought the cover for Dragon Republic was pretty before I read The Poppy War. Then I finished Poppy War, looked at the cover for Dragon Republic again and went OH, FUCK.
I have my ARC of Dragon Republic sitting in the TBR stack, really want to get to it soon!
YES, exactly! Like, I felt bad…wanting Rin to go that far, but honestly, I just wanted to see if she would and if she *could*. So when she *did*, I was just blown away.
Wait, what?
*runs to check the cover*
I am so excited, but oh so terrified, to read The Dragon Republic!! And as my first venture into grimdark, I think I picked a good one!
Ive heard nothing but amazing things about this book. I was so close to buying it yesterday. Great review.
Ah, thank you so much! I hope you do have a chance to read it, at some point, and that you not only enjoy it, but conveniently have a box of tissues nearby.
Oh I know exactly what you mean. I went through a whole range of emotions with this one, and wasn’t prepared to love it so much. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Exactly!! I am so nervous to read the sequel!
This review was on fire 🔥Nicole! Great job.
Ahhhhhhhh, thank you, Jason!! <3
I’ve heard nothing but such high praise for this book! It’s one that’s on my long term radar (a term I just made up for books I really want to buy but I really have to read the 200+ books on my shelf first, REALLY). I feel like this is a story I’m going to love!
It was SO good. I definitely recommend you keep it on your long term radar (a term I feel like I should adopt, because goodness, I have so many unread books at home and yet I keep going to the library every week *bangs head on desk*). I hope you enjoy it, when you read it!!