The Poppy War
A Novel
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4.3 • 104 Ratings
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
“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
A 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.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
In this enthralling coming-of-age fantasy, a young soldier is burdened with the ultimate ethical dilemma as her nation faces a war. Desperate to escape her poor background, Rin beats the odds to earn a place in a prestigious military academy. She quickly comes under the wing of the school’s master of lore, but learning about channelling godly powers comes with a price. An invasion is looming, and Rin soon realizes that using her terrifyingly powerful new magic may be worse than the war itself. R. F. Kuang draws on Chinese history for this thrilling tale but uses modern dialogue to keep the drama crackling. Rin’s compelling training process includes clever nods to the classic tropes of fantasy martial-arts fiction, and we loved Kuang’s brilliant world-building when it comes to channelling the powers of the gods. Once you’re immersed in this detailed world, you won’t want to leave—so get ready to reach for the sequel.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Debut novelist Kuang creates an ambitious fantasy reimagining of Asian history populated by martial artists, philosopher-generals, and gods. War orphan Fang Runin ("Rin") escapes abusive foster parents by gaining admission to the Nikara Empire's prestigious military academy. Though stigmatized because of her peasant background, she earns top grades and wins the annual martial arts tournament. But she refuses a typical apprenticeship and instead goes to study with the academy's disreputable Lore Master Jiang, who despairs of reviving the discredited shaman traditions. Finding her way to the home of the gods, Rin is forced to choose between obeying her master's warnings against abuse of power and unleashing divine retribution when the island nation of Mugen, armed with chemical and biological weapons, invades and massacres civilians. Kuang highlights the horrors of war, especially the moral and emotional toll on combatants who employ scorched-earth strategies. Heroic responses pale in view of the collateral damage that they trigger, and the novel does not allow its characters to slough off their culpability for channeling godly powers. Readers may empathize with Rin's desire for vengeance, but any thrill at her success is matched by horror at its costs. This is a strong and dramatic launch to Kuang's career.
Customer Reviews
Very Descriptive
Overall the plot, characters, and tone remained very consistent which I liked. Everything was described in great detail about the war while maintaining the important connections between characters. I hear the second and third books are heart wrenching in relation to the charcuterie so I definitely have to read the next to find out what hapoens. Be aware though, this is a very war based book, no romance or anything, a lot of strategy talk/ war talk. But as an advid fantasy reader I found it bearable, it wasn’t too boring like catcher in the rye or anything.
Jme suis prise une patate dans la tete
Une terrible rencontre entre la guerre et le fantastique mais incroyablement bien ficelé.Je ne m'y connaissais personellement pas beacoup sur les tragedies des guerres en Chine et ce livre a tres bien presenté l horreur de ces evenements et de la guerre en general. Malgré ca l'histoire est tres bien approfondie avec des personnages super complets aux visions differentes.
Good
Good