I am going back and forth whether or not to rate this 4.5 or 5. I’ve landed on 5 for now. 

The first ~100 pages or so are really slow and it took me a while to get into the book. 

I did love the easy fantasy world building for my lazy brain. All the translation / silver talk really made my brain hurt. I can’t even imagine how much research went into a book like this. The whole concept is so fascinating! Translation is fascinating! 

Also fuck the British empire lol 

I do not recommend starting this book while also starting war and peace. That is not for the weak hearted. 

Griffin was such a frustrating character but more because I wanted to know more about him and see a relationship with robin (but understand why the relationships had to stay where they were). 

The trip to Canton was so sad. 

I also have issue with this author and her comments around the 2024 US election. Her writing says one thing and then her actions say something else…. Disappointing!

I’m not sure I can read Poppy War and will wait to hear reviews on Kalabasas before I pick it up