I had originally been intimidated by the five-hundred-page novel The Poppy War, a devastating and awe-inspiring debut fantasy novel by R.F. Kuang, but once I got into it, I could not have been more pleasantly surprised, and I absolutely devoured in less than a week.
The book follows the main character, Rin, a war orphan living in a poor town in the country of Nikara with her aunt and uncle. The narrative propels forward as Rin is forced into an arranged marriage planned by her aunt and uncle. To avoid the marriage, Rin studies hard and manages to pass the test that ensures her acceptance into the best military academy in the country, Sinegard. Rin excels in her studies, yet her world is turned upside down when she discovers things about herself that she once thought were myths. Soon enough, Rin is caught in between a deadly war between the Nikan Empire and the Federation of Mugen.
As the name suggests, The Poppy War is based on the Opium Wars and the Sino-Japanese conflicts that occurred in the 20th century. Kuang manages to weave bits of history, information, and lore through her novel without making the novel boring. Some might argue that the novel sounds like a textbook, but if so, it is the most interesting textbook I have ever read in my entire life. Kuang generously writes about strong themes such as racism, addiction, abuse, and the long-term struggles of war in an emotionally appealing way that will prevent you from putting down this book.
When I first heard about The Poppy War, I saw countless readers online describing how it had emotionally affected them. I went in expecting the same response—tears, heartbreak, and devastation. And while the novel does have many sad and harrowing moments—especially considering that it’s set during wartime—my own emotional reaction wasn’t immediate. The first two parts were intense, yes, but I felt like I could handle it. That is, until one chapter. Just when I thought the worst was over and the story was reaching its resolution, Kuang hit me with the most unexpected, most horrifying, most soul-crushing scene I’ve ever read. Kuang has the rare ability to turn words on a page into vivid, haunting imagery that forces you to pause, stare at the wall, and simply process what just happened. That single chapter turned The Poppy War from a solid four-star read into something beyond my rating scale. One moment I was quietly laughing at a character’s sarcastic comment, and the next I was crying heavy, silent tears onto the pages.
All things considered, if you are sensitive to depictions of violence or trauma, perhaps this isn’t the book for you. The book describes horrifying things that are the outcomes of war in detail, and the fact that this is based on true events and that most things were most likely toned down by the author makes this even more horrifying. However, I personally think the vivid descriptions make the book seem much more realistic and are essential to Rin’s story and the novel’s overall impact.
Additionally, I applaud Kuang for her ability to write such interesting, realistic, and morally gray characters. Because Rin is the hero of the story, she’s brave and selfless, but also reckless at times. However, Kuang humanizes her by also making her self-centered, clouded by grief, scared, vulnerable, vengeful, and at times, despicable. But despite all her flaws and questionable behavior, Kuang encourages you to root for her.
The Poppy War is not just a fantasy novel—it’s a brutal, thought-provoking, and brilliantly crafted reflection on the cost of war, identity, and power. Kuang’s ability to blend history with fantasy is masterful, and her characters will linger in your mind long after you finish the book. It’s no surprise that this debut received widespread acclaim and has won multiple awards, such as the Crawford Award and the Compton Crook Award for Best First Novel. While it may not be for the faint of heart, for those willing to take the journey, The Poppy War is a haunting, unforgettable experience that redefines what the impact that fantasy can achieve on the reader
Though The Poppy War stands as a powerful story on its own, readers will be pleased—or perhaps terrified—to know that it is only the beginning of a trilogy. The story continues with The Dragon Republic and concludes with The Burning God, both of which expand upon Rin’s journey and the price of her power. So, while this book ends, the war and the emotional wreckage it brings are far from over.
