The Poppy War Book Tag

The internet talked me into reading The Poppy War and I’ve been working on it for s e v e r a l months.

I honestly forget how long it’s been. A while, most like.

I’m trying my best.

I saw this tag created in honor of The Dragon Republic’s release. Here we go!

Fang Runin: Who’s your favorite anti-heroine?

Emma Woodhouse was intentionally written to be an anti-heroine.

She’s rich, spoiled, and rarely faces consequences.

Therefore, from the book’s beginning, she has nowhere to go but up!

I find her incredibly charming and relatable. I just love her so much.

Best Austen romance. Fight me.

Chosen One Schmosen One: which character deserves more spotlight in your favorite series?

Even though I love Ninth House more than anything, I couldn’t care less about Darlington.

I was annoyed that in a narrative about marginalized people, we spent so much time with a rich white kid.

I would have taken a million more pages of Turner and Dawes.

I love unexpected allies and I HOPE both characters show up in the next book.

Get in, losers! We’re going to hell!

No Stone Left Unturned: who’s your favorite fictional genius?

I loved Truly Devious‘ Stevie, but I adored Nate.

Nate’s a fun grumpster with horrible writer’s block.

I love him and I PERSONALLY think he would have made a better love interest than the godawful DAVID.

Ugh. I hate that guy.

The Epic Descent: What makes you empathize with your favorite morally grey character?

My favorite morally grey character is either Kylo Ren or Anakin Skywalker.

Probably Kylo. He’s so tall.

If a character feels inferior and covers it up with malice, aggression, or evildoing, I can absolutely understand how they got to that place.

Is it a healthy coping mechanism? No.

Is it interesting and relatable? Very much.

Mad Gods & Their Maddening Power: what’s your favorite novel about gods and their powers? (Bonus points for dark fiction!)

In Ruingsong, each goddess controls a season and people born in a particular season have a particular bent.

It’s like a simplified version of the zodiac. I dig it.

Also, heresy in this book means worshiping a goddess not associated with your birth season.

This would be a problem for me. I love winter, but I’m obsessed with fall.

Immortals & Their Battles: what’s your favorite battle scene?

There’s a great scene in Mercedes Lackey’s The Serpent’s Shadow where a mob of gentlemen and their magical animal companions storm the enemy’s lair.

I’m almost positive they were all wearing bowler hats and carrying clubs.

I also imagined them walking in badass slow-mo.

It’s a really neat visual.

This Poisonous Beauty: which character do you find as intriguing as you do terrifying?

(Spoilers for The Year of the Witching)

I know I rag on The Year of the Witching a lot, but I did like the witches.

They were cool and creepy and had a legitimate grievance.

I wish the author hadn’t killed them off. Whoops.

Clever Truths & Cleverer Lies: what’s a book rife with political intrigue that you enjoy the mind games of?

I typically hate books about political intrigue, so the fact that I can’t stop gushing about The Priory of the Orange Tree really says something.

There are political alliances! Dragons! Religious wars! Etc.!

It’s a trip!

A Trio to Reckon With: Who is your favorite fictional trio?

I have been meaning to reread Far From the Tree for literal years.

The book features three siblings, two of whom have been adopted, one of whom is in foster care.

I love this book with all my heart.

I love how quickly these separated siblings bond.

I’m also obsessed with their supportive and accepting parents.

These kids deserve the world.

Companions for The Darkness: Tag your friends!

Sahi is the only blogger I can think of who’s big on fantasy.

I know I’m forgetting people.

If you like adult fantasy with wars, violence, and political intrigue, tag yourself!