The previous year was very difficult but I would like to share with you the books that kept me going. I adored them!
I understand a few people struggled with the violence and raw descriptions in this book, but if we don't highlight real world cruelty in novels, where can we do it? It is important to not only have nice, fluffy stories about charming heroes and brave girls but to talk about brutal realities of war, uncomfortable situations and tackle taboos. The Poppy War encounters these situations. This is a harsh time set in a fantasy world that has struggled to survive several previous wars. It has created a dark and ruthless place to live where people turn a blind eye to abuse and awful treatment of girls that are usually married off for money and power. The only way out of this terrible lifestyle is to study for a school that takes only the best for martial arts training and may perhaps show promise in a certain magical ability that many fear. This lifestyle is equally brutal and unforgiving and the war we are thrown into is dark and awful and, at moments, sickening. Ultimately, The Poppy War is an amazing book and I couldn't stop reading it. |
I don't often read Sci-fi as it's not my preferred genre and I haven't always had the patience to read many books by Brandon Sanderson even though I know he is greatly talened. But I gave this one a go and wow! The Skyward series is fantastic. I have already read it's sequel and I equally adored it. Spensa is a well developed character that I would love to be best friends with. I can't wait to unravel the mysteries surrounding her and the abilities she is learning to control and the larger threat that is looming over the human race....of what is left of the human race anyway. What I loved more than anything is that it wasn't full of all the technical jargon that usually puts me off this genre. It wasn't hard to understand and M-Bot, the delightful AI robot with the sassy attitude, helps to keep things light in moments of tension. Everyone needs an M-Bot and i need book three to come out now. |