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The Poppy War: A Novel (The Poppy War, 1)

One of Time Magazine's 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time

"I have no doubt this will end up being the best fantasy debut of the year...I have absolutely no doubt that [Kuang's] name will be up there with the likes of Robin Hobb and N.K. Jemisin." -- Booknest

From #1 New York Times bestselling author of Babel and Yellowface, the brilliantly imaginative debut of R.F. Kuang: an epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China's twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic, in the tradition of Ken Liu's Grace of Kings and N.K. Jemisin's Inheritance Trilogy.

When Rin aced the Keju--the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academies--it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn't believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin's guardians, who believed they'd finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free of the servitude and despair that had made up her daily existence. That she got into Sinegard--the most elite military school in Nikan--was even more surprising.

But surprises aren't always good.

Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Targeted from the outset by rival classmates for her color, poverty, and gender, Rin discovers she possesses a lethal, unearthly power--an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher and psychoactive substances, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive--and that mastering control over those powers could mean more than just surviving school.

For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The militarily advanced Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most of the people are complacent to go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away . . .

Rin's shamanic powers may be the only way to save her people. But as she finds out more about the god that has chosen her, the vengeful Phoenix, she fears that winning the war may cost her humanity . . . and that it may already be too late.

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544 pages

Average rating: 7.74

326 RATINGS

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27 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

sammi_lynn98
Jan 23, 2025
10/10 stars
If you want a true high fantasy book set in an Asian country where society is so dystopian, this is the book for you. Fair warning towards the middle of the book, as it gets very gore-y and violent (obviously due to the Poppy War). This is the first novel that I’ve read from R.F. Kuang and omg she’s become one of my favorite writers. She’s done so much research on similar facets from Asian countries, taking heavy inspiration from real-world events. Can’t wait to read the next in the trilogy!
LP_storyseeker
Jan 14, 2025
6/10 stars
It was interesting but I didn’t like how the main character whines about every decision she makes and I don’t understand how she loves Altan. I had to skip over a bunch of parts about the way the armies graphically killed and tortured people. I suppose its there to make the reader understand why Rin destroys a whole country. The characters are all filled with rage and hatred which didn’t feel good as the reader.
Anonymous
Nov 18, 2024
6/10 stars
Did not live up to the hype imo, will not be reading the rest of the series
Mrs. Awake Taco
Nov 13, 2024
6/10 stars
It had way too much battle for me. I ran out of cares to give about two thirds of the way through the book. It all just seemed really pointless so I had trouble caring about any of the characters. Alton was too secretive, Nadja not in it enough, Rin selfish and impulsive… Not gonna read the next one.
Anonymous
Oct 22, 2024
10/10 stars
I started reading this book because I heard there was boarding school involved and I love any book that has anything to do with a boarding school or academic environment.

I got so much more than I bargained for when I started reading this book and I absolutely loved it. I can't recommend it enough, but I would advise anyone thinking about reading it to have a look at the content warnings before starting. I had seen a few warnings about the book's contents and about the real events where some of the book's events inspiration came from.

A powerful book with a fascinating magic system and interesting characters, that really takes you on a journey through Rin's life events. I loved the writing style of the book, conflicts played out quickly and concisely and the author did not have to rely on suspense to keep you reading.

I really appreciated the way that this book that talks about the ugliness of war compared to the idea. I do find a lot of books where war is part of the main plot makes light of the situation, especially in a fantasy context, but this book did anything but.

Five stars, wonderfully written, well thought out, and captivating from start to finish.

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