The Poppy War
Books | Fiction / Fantasy / Historical
4.3
(5.8K)
R. F. Kuang
“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.” -- BooknestA Library Journal, Paste Magazine, Vulture, BookBub, and ENTROPY Best Books pick!Washington Post "5 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Novel" pick!A Bustle "30 Best Fiction Books" pick!A brilliantly imaginative talent makes her exciting debut with this 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.
Fantasy
High Fantasy
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More Details:
Author
R. F. Kuang
Pages
544
Publisher
HarperCollins
Published Date
2018-05-01
ISBN
0062662597 9780062662590
Ratings
Google: 4
Community ReviewsSee all
"The Poppy War series is my favorite series of all time. The writing is so amazing, & I loved that Rin’s narration was so straightforward & calculative. This book was a breath of fresh air, & I will forever be searching for something that can top it. The elements of fantasy are so effortlessly intertwined with the references to actual history, religion and politics it’s just 😙🤌 I was so crushed by the ending yet I knew it was absolutely necessary and 100% the right choice. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"
"A wonderfully written book. I felt like the characters were well written and I actually wanted to know more about each one. The world building was very interesting but be warned that the author doesn’t hold back on details. The events are based on true events and the wonderful writing combined with the horrendous war crimes definitely made me feel sick at times. Still, the story and characters were great. I couldn’t stop reading half way through."
T
Tori
"This reminded me a lot of The Name of the Wind. An orphan struggling for a better life and of course, the crazy teacher taking them in. I was in shock at forty pages in. Getting all glassy-eyed with Rin as she said goodbye to the only person in the world who gave her a chance. It was hard to believe the author made me feel so much so quick.
Seriously this is why I don't read summaries. When Rin started bruning up I had no clue what would happen. It was a surprise to me in a world that didn’t seem to have magic at all just fairytales. Again and again, R.F. Kuang impressed me. My allegiances changed often. Sometimes I followed Rin thinking she knew best. We became ashamed together when she took things too far. Still, the author gave the reader the space to figure things out for themselves instead of forcing objectives.
And honestly, I don't know why but it makes me so very happy when writers remember women's monthly agony. There is a lot to be said about a woman struggling to even get out of bed once a month and it shouldn't be glossed over. Rin's hardships seemed never-ending at times. But I do love the orphan trope as horrible as that might sound. They have to claw and fight for their dreams and inevitably have more grit. Rin fought harder because to lose is death.
The Poppy War is somewhat of a historical fantasy retelling of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. The author I take it studied a lot of history and the book became bolder and more complex because of it. Even as I bounced around with my loyalties I also couldn't figure out which way the story would take me. I'm still not sure where it will go. War changes people. It changed a little jerk in this story and I love him now for some reason. I know that's cryptic but I just wanted to remember him. Sometimes misunderstandings can wreak havoc."
"I really tried to like this book, I really did. The storylines were clunky and unfinished. More detail was put into grotesque depictions of war atrocities and human angst than character or world building. The main character seemed to be fearless and also sobbing every other page. It took me three weeks to finish because I literally kept falling asleep mid-chapter. "
"Oof. This book should not be so readily, and lightly recommended as I have seen it repeatedly done. This is not so much a fantasy novel as an account of wartime atrocities in gruesome detail. Don’t get me wrong, it does pretty well with its themes of racism, the conditioning of soldiers, and does the end justify the means? But the interesting and in depth magic system takes a back seat, never really seeming to go beyond the surface. Do NOT take this on lightly."
K P
Katie Pershon
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