Reviewing The Poppy War Trilogy: My FAVOURITE Fantasy Series!

By YZ

The Poppy War Trilogy by R. F. Kuang

    If you asked me which fantasy series is one of my all-time favourites, it would be The Poppy War trilogy by R. F. Kuang. I've become one of its most ardent fans, captivated by its excellence in storytelling. It is simply too good, from the characters to the plot to the world-building. Everything is just perfect. To persuade fellow fantasy lovers to delve into this literary gem, I'll be sharing my personal reviews for each installment of the trilogy.

Book 1: The Poppy War

        The Poppy War is a remarkable fusion of historical fiction and fantasy, seamlessly weaving together elements of both genres into a captivating narrative. Within its pages, the characters, their relationships, and the events unfold with a sensational intensity that leaves an indelible impression. Each character, intricately crafted by Kuang's masterful hand, embodies various facets of human nature, rendering them lifelike and genuine despite being born from the ink on the page. As I journeyed alongside them, I experienced their rage, despair, sacrifices, and losses as if they were my own.

Kuang's command of language is evident in every word, as her prose flows effortlessly, transporting readers into a realm that feels both familiar and fantastical. While the novel immerses us in a fictional world, its parallels with Chinese history serve as poignant reminders of the real and substantial events that have shaped our world. Whether it's Jiang, Altan, Chaghan, or Rin, their belief in the power of gods to salvage and restore their war-torn nation echoes the fervent faith of historical figures during periods of turmoil, such as the Boxers during the Boxer Rebellion. Moreover, the atrocities depicted in Golyn Niis serve as solemn reflections of the horrors endured during the darkest chapters of history, like the Rape of Nanking during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

These examples were only some of the numerous nuanced comparisons with modern Chinese history and culture that resonate deeply, sending chills down my spine as I uncover the layers of meaning woven into Kuang's narrative. Entering this trilogy with little expectation of what lay ahead, I found myself grateful for the literary masterpiece I had discovered. With each turn of the page, I am compelled to delve deeper into this world, eager to uncover the truths it holds and the revelations yet to come.

“Children ceased to be children when you put a sword in their hands. When you taught them to fight a war, then you armed them and put them on the front lines, they were not children anymore. They were soldiers.”

 

Book 2: The Dragon Republic 

        When reading a series, my greatest fear is that the subsequent installments won't match the brilliance of the first. Fortunately, with The Dragon Republic, Kuang shattered those fears and delivered a sequel that not only met but exceeded expectations. Bursting with plot twists, betrayals, and heart-wrenching moments, the novel held me captive, compelling me to devour its entirety within a matter of hours.

(Caution: the following  may be triggering for bigoted Westerners; just a warning 🤧) If you’re familiar with Edward Said’s Orientalism and/or sick of Asians being portrayed in an oriental manner, this novel is a breath of fresh air. 

“Who told them they could conquer the continent? Blue eyes. White sails.”

       Kuang's narrative serves as a breath of fresh air, especially for those familiar with Edward Said's Orientalism or weary of stereotypical portrayals of Asians. Through her adept storytelling, she presents a stark reversal of the Western gaze, challenging the fetishization and demonization of Asian culture and people. By spotlighting the arrogant behaviors of the Hesperians (akin to Westerners) and their historical manipulation of a perceived weaker Nikara (representing China/Asia), Kuang flips the narrative on its head. This subversion of the "Western Savior" trope serves as a powerful reminder that Asia never required saving; rather, the West's presence often veered towards exploitation rather than assistance.

        As I delved deeper into the novel, I found myself confronted with thought-provoking perspectives that upended conventional narratives. Through the character's struggles and triumphs, Kuang delivers a poignant message: in the face of adversity, one must not shrink from the turmoil of war or the anguish of suffering. Instead, one must confront it head-on, refusing to be used or destroyed by external forces. It's a rallying cry for agency and resilience in the face of oppression—an essential theme that resonates profoundly in today's world.

“People will seek to use you or destroy you. If you want to live, you must pick a side. So do not shrink away from war, child. Do not flinch from suffering. When you hear screaming, run toward it."

 Book 3: The Burning God

        MY GODDDDDD…. where do I even begin to express the overwhelming brilliance of the final installment of The Poppy War trilogy? Words fail to capture the sheer magnitude of its impact on me. Rebecca Kuang, once again, surpasses all expectations with her unparalleled storytelling prowess. It's almost unfathomable how she conjured such a vivid and enthralling world from mere imagination, each page pulsating with exquisite descriptions, riveting dialogues, and profound literary enchantment. Every single page was just pure literary magic.

“She was a goddess. She was a monster. She‘d nearly destroyed this country. And then she‘d given it one last, gasping chance to live.”

       As I navigate the final intricate instalment of the trilogy, my heart was torn into pieces. From the sheer emotions evoked through Kuang's masterful prose and the knowledge that the The Poppy War trilogy is at the end of its road. Yet, amidst the ache of farewell, I find solace in the resplendent conclusion it offers—a finale that solidifies its status as one of the greatest fantasy series of all time. I implore each and every one of you to embark on this journey; to immerse yourselves in the intricate world of Kuang's creation, where every detail, every nuance, every theme exists in a league of its own, unmatched by any other.

        I won’t delve further because I am so scared that I might just drop spoilers here and there. Trust me, you would NOT want to be spoiled because, OMGGGG, everything keeps you on the edge. More simply, however, it is because no further words can do justice to the marvel that is The Poppy War trilogy.

“I am the force of creation, I am the end and the beginning. The world is a painting and I hold the brush. I am a god.”

The Poppy War trilogy by R. F. Kuang stands as a towering achievement in the realm of fantasy literature. Each installment, from The Poppy War to The Dragon Republic and culminating in The Burning God, showcases Kuang's remarkable talent for weaving together intricate plots, complex characters, and rich world-building.

The journey through Nikan, a land torn apart by war, is not just a fantastical adventure but a poignant reflection of real-world history and human nature. Kuang's ability to draw parallels with Chinese history while crafting a wholly original narrative adds depth and authenticity to the story, making it both compelling and thought-provoking.

Moreover, Kuang deftly challenges stereotypes and tropes, offering refreshing perspectives on cultural dynamics and power struggles. Through her portrayal of characters and societies, she dismantles orientalist stereotypes and confronts the notion of Western superiority, delivering a narrative that is both empowering and enlightening.

As I reflect on my experience with The Poppy War trilogy, I am struck by the emotional impact it has left on me. From the exhilarating highs to the devastating lows, each moment is etched into my memory, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. The finale, The Burning God, is a testament to Kuang's mastery of storytelling, leaving readers breathless with its twists and turns until the very end.

In the end, The Poppy War trilogy is more than just a series of books; it is a literary masterpiece that deserves to be celebrated and cherished. I urge fellow fantasy lovers to embark on this journey, to immerse themselves in the world of Nikan, and to experience firsthand the magic of R. F. Kuang's storytelling. Trust me, it's a journey you won't soon forget.