The Burning God

The conclusion to the Poppy War Trilogy does not disappoint. RF Kuang has used the modern history of China to inform a fascinating and powerful fantasy. Whilst the events in the novel bear links to real historical events, the depth of the world building is still impressive and the use of these parallels grants a good range of realism to a hugely fantastic world. Taking on Asian history, as opposed to the usual Euro-centric approach has opened up some really intriguing ideas as well.

Ultimately it is the tragic characters that Rebecca has brought to life though which drive this story. This is richly realised, beautiful and poignant character studies in a world at war. The stories here capture the real brutality of such events, not the sanitized versions often seen. This is gritty, brutal and powerful.

A fitting conclusion to a brilliant trilogy!