The Poppy War

by R. F. Kuang · 2018

The Poppy War is an epic historical military fantasy that follows Rin, a war orphan from Rooster Province who defies expectations by acing the Keju and gaining admission to Sinegard, the Nikara Empire's most elite military academy. As a dark-skinned peasant girl, she faces prejudice and rivalry while discovering her aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. With the help of a teacher and psychoactive substances, she explores her connection to the vengeful Phoenix god. As the threat of a Third Poppy War looms against the militarily advanced Federation of Mugen, Rin must decide if the cost of wielding god-like power is worth the potential salvation of her people, fearing that winning the war may ultimately cost her humanity.