The Poppy War Trilogy by R.F. Kuang
“I have become something wonderful, she thought. I have become something terrible.”
Rating: 18+–Contains graphic descriptions of war crimes and violence, murder, and sexual assault. Strong language is used by characters throughout the book. If you are someone who is strongly affected by scenes of gore, I do not recommend reading this series.
The Poppy War trilogy by R.F. Kuang is an equally compelling and devastating adult fantasy series about the horrors of war and the corruption of power. Set in the China-esque nation of Nikara, the story is narrated through the perspective of Fang Runin, a young orphan who rises through the military’s ranks to become a force of destruction and vengeance.
In terms of my overall thoughts on the series, I will say this: My sister will sometimes tease me about how I am a sucker for a happy ending. It’s true–I like a pleasant ending to a story. A satisfying conclusion where justice is served, the characters are happy, and the world is put right. Reality has enough hardships. When I read I like to escape into a better world—or at least one where things are improved. As someone who enjoys happy endings, this was a hard series to read. Things often do not go right—and its endings are difficult and often unsatisfying. But I appreciate its honesty about topics such as colonialism and war. Colonialism is demeaning and cruel, and war is not something that ends simply and without consequences. Even after a peace treaty is signed, the devastation left behind from fighting and colonization takes years, decades, even centuries before its effects lessen and life for the average citizen retains a semblance of normalcy. If you seek happy endings, then honestly, this isn’t the series for you.
The first book, The Poppy War, is a strong (and crazy) start to the series. To put it colloquially, a lot goes down in this novel. It introduces the main protagonist of the story, Fang Runin, better known as “Rin.” When the story opens, Rin is an orphan who helps her caretakers run their illegal opium operation in her village in the southern provinces of Nikara. Nikara is a nation with a long history of war and power struggles—especially conflicts with opposing nations seeking to expand and take Nikara’s numerous resources. When Rin discovers that her caretakers plan to marry her off, she becomes determined to pass the Keju (an Empire-wide exam), and test into Sinegard, Nikara’s esteemed military academy. It is the most difficult academy to enter, but its tuition is free for those who manage to earn the highest scores. Rin accomplishes the awesome feat of gaining entrance into Sinegard, but finds herself an outsider in a school filled with children from elite families. When Rin realizes she may have a power, and a legacy, beyond any that she could have imagined, she must learn to hone her abilities as her country prepares for yet another war.
Beyond introducing Rin, the first book is fairly exposition–heavy. It has to set up a host of characters, conflicts, religions, history, etc. Kuang does an admirable job weaving information into the story, but the pacing of the narrative drastically improves in the next book. The second novel, The Dragon Republic, was my personal favorite in the trilogy, as I thought the sequel is where the story really came into its own. After being introduced to the key characters in the first book, The Dragon Republic has excellent character development and several key events that propel the story forward. Not only that, but we also learn more about certain characters’ tragic pasts and histories. I thought the story was compelling, and I really enjoyed seeing the twists and turns that Kuang took Rin and the other characters through in this arc. The finale of the series, The Burning God, is equal parts fascinating and haunting as Rin and her allies face their greatest threats and attempt to hold Nikara together.
I recommend this trilogy for those who are willing to explore difficult subjects such as colonialism and war. I think this is an important series, but it is not for those looking to escape the horrors that continue to plague our present reality. It teaches vital lessons, such as that power can only do so much, and that revenge feels glorious in the moment but fades to hollowness and shame. However, its harsh and unflinching portrayal of war and violence may deter some readers. Don’t get me wrong, I think this is an excellent series—the writing is strong and you root for the characters despite their flaws, but if I had to pick two words to describe this story, they would be brutal and powerful. If those are two words that intrigue you, or don’t upset you, then I recommend that you read this series.
I also want to be sure to add my list of similar recommendations. For another fantasy series that takes place in an Asiatic-inspired world, I recommend Elizabeth Kim’s Six Crimson Cranes and Spin the Dawn duologies. These two series are YA, so while they are not as adult as The Poppy War trilogy, they are still filled with a rich amount of mythology and characters gifted with magic. Another series that comes to mind is The Daevabad Trilogy by S. A. Chakraborty. It is an incredible fantasy series that also explores the mythology of another culture, in a manner similar to The Poppy War. Beginning in Egypt and exploring the world of the Jinn, it also has plenty of action, court intrigue, and politics. I hope these suggestions will help you discover your new favorite fantasy booka!
For my more spoiler-filled thoughts about The Poppy War trilogy, feel free to keep reading.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
As much as I loved the main character of Rin, I also have to say that Rin is a mess. Her main character flaw is that she often acts without thinking. It's what makes her a poor replacement leader of the Cike after Altan’s death, and also a failed ruler after she successfully destroys Vaisra’s Republic. Throughout all the books, she struggles with acting recklessly and dealing with the subsequent fallout from her irrational decision-making. After three books, I suppose that I was hoping for more character development for Rin—for her to become a wise and thoughtful leader rather than someone who easily gives in to impulse and emotion. I feel that one point of the series is to show that when so much horror and responsibility is thrust upon someone at such an early age, eventually they’ll collapse. However, I was hoping that Rin would have a better end than the other strong historical women referenced in the book, such as Tearza and Hanalei. Her destruction by the end of the series seems inevitable, as it becomes clear that Rin is a person who is made for war, not peace. She’s excellent for chaos and destruction, but not for rebuilding and fostering unity.
By the time Rin takes her own life, it didn't seem surprising—it was mainly disheartening. All along, I, as the reader, wanted Rin to change. To let go of the anger and paranoia that haunted her, and to try to learn how to live in a world without war. But at the same time, there could be no compromise for Rin—the Hesperians wouldn’t give her the opportunity. To save her country, she would have to sacrifice herself, whether by taking her life or becoming a Hesperian experiment. It is easy to see why she chose death—but it also broke my heart. I so wanted Rin to break the pattern—to turn her back on the Phoenix, violence, and revenge once and for all. I wished her character could have evolved over time, but I also understand why she stagnated and regressed due to the terrible circumstances she became surrounded with.
I also think it’s interesting that Rin is not a character who is defined by modern standards of femininity. She destroys her own womb at Sinegard to avoid dealing with menstrual cycles—relinquishing any opportunity to have children. Even before her country plunged into the third Poppy War, Rin didn’t want to be a wife and mother. She escaped that expected role and entered into the military. Additionally, she never sleeps with anyone, which I thought was an excellent subversion of both adult novels and gender expectations. She also never has a truly romantic kiss—except when she gives her enemies a fiery kiss of death. I appreciate that Rin didn’t need to have sex or be a desired figure in order to be a powerful and strong woman. Rin is not portrayed as a beauty, and she accepts it. It doesn’t add or detract from her character—which I think is important. Given that the story jumps from one battle or conflict to the next, romance is honestly one of the last things on both Rin and the reader’s minds. However, was I a hard-core Rin and Nezha shipper? Maybe... I kept hoping the two could put aside their differences because together I think they would have been a powerful and sweet couple. Unfortunately, the divisions of war ran too strong.
Beyond Rin’s character, I personally wish there was a more conclusive ending. There are so many questions left unanswered. How will Nezha rule Nikara? What role will the Hesperians play in Nikara’s future? Will they simply try to take over the country’s resources again now that Rin is gone? I understand that the ending is a cliffhanger so that readers are left to imagine the future of Nikara and what this means for its people, but it is difficult to predict when there are so many possible paths. Especially when it becomes clear that the Hesperians have to be involved if Nikara is to survive. But again, this is just my personal penchant for a happy/satisfying ending.
Also, I’ll be honest, it was hard reading the scenes involving the Hesperians. I knew that they represented European powers trying to push their way into China, but it was still difficult to see the way that these symbolic Europeans treated the people around them. And it was hard seeing them described as monstrous devils based on their appearance. But even though it was rough to read some of those passages, I did appreciate that the series provided the opposing perspective of the Nikaran’s in the face of the Hesperian’s colonial endeavors. It helped me to understand more about how the Chinese people must have felt about European colonialism—and that is a vital perspective. Kuang isn’t afraid to address the demoralizing and demeaning effects the Hesperians have on different characters because of their technological advancements and condescending attitudes. Seeing characters like Rin and Kitay question whether they actually were inferior because they lacked superior technology was deeply upsetting. As I said at the beginning of the post, this series has difficult moments, but one of its greatest strengths is its ability to tackle real-world problems in a fantasy universe, forcing readers to approach topics with a new perspective.
Perhaps one of the most powerful questions left by The Poppy War’s conclusion is a question of legacy. What legacy will you leave behind? How will you be remembered? To quote the musical Hamilton, “who lives, who dies, who tells your story?” Throughout the series, we hear about the conquests of the Red Emperor and the Trifecta. Meanwhile, women such as Tearza and Hanalei are resigned to the margins of history by their male storytellers, whether they are written off as lovers, or forgotten altogether. Their true courage and sacrifices are buried in favor of narratives woven by the victors. With the series ending with Rin’s death in Nezha’s arms, it leaves readers wondering if she’ll suffer the same fate as Tearza and Hanalei. We know Nezha grieves Rin, but is also grateful to her for sweeping aside all other leadership. How will he choose to remember her? Will Rin’s story be told, or will it be mutilated by Nezha and other powerful men to create a frightening or demeaning image? Will she be remembered as a great emancipator, or a monster? There are so many questions left at the end of the series, leaving you to wonder about not only Nikara, but Rin’s place in its history.
So while I can’t say this series is for everyone, I can say that it is eye-opening, provoking, and fascinating. A testament to Kuang’s ability as a fantasy writer, and a truly compelling narrative of complex and dynamic characters.
