If you only read one high fantasy book in your life, let it be this one.

The Poppy War is the first book in what has to be one of the most well-written fantasy series I've ever read. It still holds up on a fourth read-through because not only is the writing style beautiful, but the content is just so heavy and yet so well-handled. That being said, be sure to check content warnings before you read. The themes are dealt with very well, and this is a story with a message to tell.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I'm amazed by how much plot can be packed into one book. I can't say much without spoiling anything, but the sheer expanse of the narrative amazes me every time. The Sinegard section is probably my favorite "entertainment-wise," although the ending sequence is also incredibly powerful. Not to mention the pain this book manages to convey (and I know the series only hurts more in the next few books).
And the characters. They're so complex, and I love all of them in their own ways. The characters' dynamics with each other never cease to delight me. Rin is probably one of my favorite female protagonists of all time. Kitay is my favorite character (he's literally me), but I love the other Sinegard characters, too. I really like Nezha and Venka's character arcs. Altan is so complex and his backstory makes me cry almost every time I read this. I also really like Ramsa, Qara, and Chaghan.
The Poppy War is the first book in one of my favorite fantasy series of all time, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

4.75/5

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This is the third time I've read this book and I think it gets better every time I read it.

Usually I hate super reckless protagonists who let their anger get the best of them, but Rin is one of the few exceptions. She is one of my favorite female protagonists of all time. The entire cast of characters is complex and (for the most part) lovable too.

Anyone looking for a well-written fantasy series that manages to pack so much action into one book (SPOILER: a few years of studying, three years of school, a battle, a siege, a cross-country trip, imprisonment, escape, etc ) should check out The Poppy War .

To say I am angry with the end of this book is an immense understatement.

Spoiler

I was so afraid that Kitay would die that I didn't even think to worry about Ramsa or Qara (two of my other favorites). And then Nezha? If he were real, he and I would no longer be on speaking terms.

At least my military history class knowledge finally came to be useful.

Yet another book where I like the villain POVs more than the protagonist ones (psychoanalyze that however you want).
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You know a book is good when you read 60% of it in one sitting.

This series is criminally underrated. I can't believe that something like this was published in the height of the young adult dystopian craze like The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner and yet never became super popular. It's gritty, it's gory, but it's sooooo good.
The plot (especially in Gone , Plague , and Light ) is incredibly fast-paced and intriguing. The characters are incredibly complex and flawed. And the themes of morality, sacrifice, acceptance, power, corruption---they were all subtly woven into the very fabric of the story.

For anyone looking for a sci-fi/dystopian read or a modern version of The Lord of the Flies (that is ten times more interesting and readable), try this series and I promise you that you won't be disappointed.

Also, can we get a round of applause for Quinn and Edilio quick? Congrats, guys. You single-handedly made the series four books longer because without you, everyone would literally be dead.

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While Fear was far from the best book in the series, it certainly sets up for one heck of a finale.

Spoiler

I mean, how exactly do they intend to tell Panda's parents that they ate him? How is Diana going to tell her parents that she gave birth to literal darkness incarnate?

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I have a new fear of bugs eating me from the inside out.

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Modern "Lord of the Flies" with a hint cannibalism and arson...
I'm starting to hate all of the characters now

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"'There.' I lean across to tuck [a flower] behind his ear. 'Everything useless around here is beautifully decorated. I wouldn't want you to feel left out.'"

I thought I was emotionally prepared for The Isles of the Gods this time, but it turns out I was wrong. This book has so many amazing quotes and tropes and I love it so much.
The story follows Selly (a sailor), Leander (a prince), and Keegan (a scholar) as they sail to the Isles of the Gods to make an overdue sacrifice to their goddess in order to prevent a war. While I will say that I remember it being a bit more action-packed, the banter is impeccable and the character dynamics carry the story. There's a sense of danger, but I'm hoping for more (and more angst) from book two. Also, the ending is cruel and the world is unjust and I am sad.
Like I said, the characters are absolutely amazing. Selly is the main female protagonist and she's so stubborn and strong but also genuinely cool. Keegan is literally me (a bookworm who could care less about romance) except he doesn't want to be on the adventure. Leander is ... look, he's one of my favorite book characters of all time. A spoiled, snarky prince who uses sarcasm to hide his insecurities? What more could I ask for? I like Jude's character, but I did not like Laskia at all. Also, I'm hoping for more Anselm and Galen backstory because the one chapter we got was so sad and good.
I will become a monster the moment book two releases and I will recommend this book to anyone and everyone who crosses my path.
4.5/5
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‘I didn’t think any sort of romantic entanglement suited you, Wollesley.’
‘Correct.’
‘Better a book than a person?’
‘A book rarely lets you down,’ he says crisply. ‘You will find friends in its pages when they are nowhere else’”(pages 173-174)

Amie Kaufman, how dare you do this to me! That ending was just plain cruel!
Pirates? Multiple POV? Magic systems focused on sacrifice? Banter? Only-one-bed trope? A character who hates romance because why fall in love when there’s books? I adored this book so much but now I have to wait another year to find out what happens next.
Selly, Leander, and Keegan might be one of my favorite book trios of all time.

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