The Poppy War

by R F Kuang, R.F. Kuang
The Poppy War cover
Good Books rating 4.31
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 4611
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Bluntly Bookish · 2025-03-09
engaging 4.00

The book is praised for its rich historical and cultural background, but it's also noted for its cruelty. The magic system is well-integrated and adds depth to the story.

The reviewer at Bluntly Bookish highlights the immense richness of the book's historical and cultural backdrop, which makes the story feel authentic and immersive. They appreciate the way magic is seamlessly woven into the narrative, enhancing the overall experience. However, they also point out that the book doesn't shy away from depicting cruelty, which can be both impactful and challenging for readers.

Quick quotes

    The Poppy War is a cruel book.

    It's history, culture and magic all make perfect sense and draw from an immensely rich background.

    The magic system is well-integrated and adds depth to the story.

Slanted Spines · 2023-02-17
engrossing 4.50

The trilogy is described as engrossing, with each book presenting its own unique challenges. The reviewer appreciates the continuity and depth of the series.

The reviewer from Slanted Spines finds the trilogy to be a truly engrossing read, with each book offering its own set of challenges that keep the reader engaged. They commend the author for maintaining a natural continuity throughout the series, making it a cohesive and satisfying reading experience. The depth of the story and the development of characters are particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    The Poppy War trilogy is a truly engrossing chronicle.

    Each book, while a natural continuation of the previous installment, contains its own set of challenges.

    The series is a cohesive and satisfying reading experience.

Bookish Coffee Blog · 2022-05-03
immersive 4.25

The book is described as an immersive historical fiction that is perfect for readers looking to get lost in a story. The reviewer highlights its engaging narrative and rich details.

The reviewer at Bookish Coffee Blog describes The Poppy War as an immersive historical fiction that draws readers in from the very beginning. They appreciate the rich details and the engaging narrative that make the story compelling. The reviewer suggests that this book is ideal for anyone looking to get lost in the pages of a well-crafted story, praising its ability to transport readers to another time and place.

Quick quotes

    The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang is an immersive historical fiction.

    A great read for anyone looking to get lost in the pages of a book.

    The rich details and engaging narrative make the story compelling.

Keep It Kassual · 2022-01-30
superb 4.50

The series is praised for its superb prose, character development, and world-building. The reviewer highlights Kuang's thoroughness and attention to detail.

The reviewer finds the series' prose, character development, and world-building to be superb. They appreciate Kuang's thoroughness and attention to detail, which make the series a rich and immersive experience. The reviewer also highlights the emotional impact and the compelling narrative, which keep the reader engaged throughout. Overall, they find the series to be a well-crafted and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    The series' prose, character development and world-building throughout are superb.

    Kuang is very, very thorough and does not skimp on the details.

    The emotional impact and compelling narrative keep the reader engaged.

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