'The Burning God' by R.F. Kuang is the final book in 'The Poppy War' trilogy, following the journey of Fang Runin, a character who makes terrible choices and faces betrayal while dealing with death and mayhem. The story is set in a world filled with shamanism and war, lightly disguised as China, where Rin wields the power of the Phoenix and embarks on a mission to unite the land and root out corruption. The narrative delves into themes of power, sacrifice, and the consequences of war, showcasing a dark and intense storyline that keeps readers engaged until the dramatic conclusion.

Characters:

Characters are complex, with Rin as a flawed anti-heroine and strong supporting characters who drive moral and emotional depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is masterful and gripping, effectively depicting the harsh realities of war while showcasing the author's emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is characterized by its engaging and brutal nature, exploring themes of war and trauma through surprising twists and real historical parallels.

Setting:

The setting is a fictional, war-ravaged realm inspired by historical China, creating a bleak atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, especially in the latter half, though some sections feel rushed.

The air always felt different on the morning of an ambush, as if an electric charge, the crackling residue of a thunderstorm, thrummed through her and every soldier around her. Rin had never felt ener...

Notes:

The Burning God is the third and final book in The Poppy War trilogy.

The series is inspired by real historical events, particularly aspects of Chinese history like the Sino-Japanese War and the rise of Mao Zedong.

Rin, the main character, is described as a complex anti-heroine with both fierce bravery and ruthless pragmatism.

The author, R.F. Kuang, has shown significant growth in her writing skills throughout the trilogy.

The book has a dark atmosphere, emphasizing the devastating effects of war on civilians.

Readers find the military strategies and battle sequences in the book to be excellently crafted.

Rin’s character arc is compared to Mao Zedong's, particularly regarding power and its consequences.

The relationships between characters, especially Rin and Kitay, are a highlight of the story.

The themes of trauma, survival, and morality in war are central to the series.

The author does not romanticize war, focusing instead on its brutal realities.

The ending of the series left many readers feeling mixed, with some feeling it betrayed earlier character developments.

The narrative discusses colonization and its impact on culture, particularly through the Hesperians, representing Western powers.

The book touches on difficult topics like famine, cannibalism, and the psychological toll of warfare.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include depictions of war violence, gore, burning, discussions of past rape, cannibalism, famine, and intense emotional trauma.

From The Publisher:

The exciting end to The Poppy War trilogy, R. F. Kuang's acclaimed, award-winning epic fantasy that combines the history of twentieth-century China with a gripping world of gods and monsters, to devastating, enthralling effect.

After saving her nation of Nikan from foreign invaders and battling the evil Empress Su Daji in a brutal civil war, Fang Runin was betrayed by allies and left for dead.

Despite her losses, Rin hasn't given up on those for whom she has sacrificed so much-the people of the southern provinces and especially Tikany, the village that is her home. Returning to her roots, Rin meets difficult challenges-and unexpected opportunities. While her new allies in the Southern Coalition leadership are sly and untrustworthy, Rin quickly realizes that the real power in Nikan lies with the millions of common people who thirst for vengeance and revere her as a goddess of salvation.

Backed by the masses and her Southern Army, Rin will use every weapon to defeat the Dragon Republic, the colonizing Hesperians, and all who threaten the shamanic arts and their practitioners. As her power and influence grows, though, will she be strong enough to resist the Phoenix's intoxicating voice urging her to burn the world and everything in it?

Ratings (35)

Incredible (12)
Loved It (18)
Liked It (4)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (56):

Read It (37)
Want To Read (14)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (4)

2 comment(s)

wercat802

Incredible

6 months

THE FUCK

TW: Suicide, extreme famine, emotional abuse, violence/themes of war, racism

lemoon99

Loved It

8 months

IM WRECKED

What can you read after
The Burning God?

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