Complete Poppy War Trilogy

Right from the opening chapter Dragon Republic set a different tone and pace than Poppy War. Struggles of addiction are a prominent theme and everyone, not just Rin, are struggling to cope.

The increased presence of political intrigue greatly helped the book too. Trying to keep the motives of the different Warlords inline, understanding allegiances and looking for the inevitable betrayal.

A second book in a trilogy can have a stumble as it sets up for the finale but this book hit all the right marks. Friendships were tested as characters grew, Shaman abilities were explored and an uneasy tension persisted that always had me reading one more chapter.

"Fire and water looked so lovely together. It was a pity they destroyed each other by nature."