Author: R.F. Kuang
Published: May 1, 2018 by Harper Voyager
Format: Paperback, 544 Pages
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Series: The Poppy War #1
Blurb: An epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic.
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.
My Opinion: Whoever labeled The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang as a "romantasy" clearly didn’t crack it open—or at least didn’t make it past the first few chapters. What starts as a slow burn soon ignites into a scorching tale of brutality. Forget sweeping love arcs or lighthearted escapades; this narrative is drenched in mistrust, revenge, unchecked ego, and the unflinching resolve to win at all costs. It’s raw and relentless, the kind of book that grips you tightly and refuses to let go, even as it tears into your heart.
There’s no denying the brilliance of Kuang’s storytelling. Her prose is razor-sharp, her world-building expansive yet intricate, her characters achingly human in their frailties and strengths. The sacrifices, the betrayals, and the sheer cruelty—both mental and physical—are overwhelming, to the point where I had to pause midway through. It’s not just the violence or the heartbreak; it’s the weight. Each chapter feels like a gut punch, a relentless reminder of the cost of war and power.
And yet, even with its intensity, you can't help but be drawn in. Kuang manages to weave together a sprawling narrative of countless names, places, and conflicts without losing the reader. Her masterful storytelling keeps everything clear, even as the stakes spiral higher and the horrors multiply.
This is darkgrim fantasy at its finest, and its roots in the Second Sino-Japanese War give it a depth and authenticity that’s hard to ignore. The themes of war, colonialism, and belief are handled with such unflinching honesty that even the most intense moments—rape, genocide, self-harm, animal cruelty—don’t feel gratuitous. They’re harrowing, yes, but they serve the narrative rather than shock for shock’s sake.
If there’s such a thing as historical, coming-of-age military fantasy, this is it. And while it’s the first in a trilogy, it’s the kind of book you must pace yourself with. Reading all three back-to-back feels almost impossible—not because they’re not brilliant, but because they’re so emotionally consuming. Yet, as soon as I turned the last page, I found myself missing the story, the world, and Kuang’s voice. This isn’t just fantasy—it’s a haunting reflection on the brutal realities of war, and it’s unforgettable.
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.
My Opinion: Whoever labeled The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang as a "romantasy" clearly didn’t crack it open—or at least didn’t make it past the first few chapters. What starts as a slow burn soon ignites into a scorching tale of brutality. Forget sweeping love arcs or lighthearted escapades; this narrative is drenched in mistrust, revenge, unchecked ego, and the unflinching resolve to win at all costs. It’s raw and relentless, the kind of book that grips you tightly and refuses to let go, even as it tears into your heart.
There’s no denying the brilliance of Kuang’s storytelling. Her prose is razor-sharp, her world-building expansive yet intricate, her characters achingly human in their frailties and strengths. The sacrifices, the betrayals, and the sheer cruelty—both mental and physical—are overwhelming, to the point where I had to pause midway through. It’s not just the violence or the heartbreak; it’s the weight. Each chapter feels like a gut punch, a relentless reminder of the cost of war and power.
And yet, even with its intensity, you can't help but be drawn in. Kuang manages to weave together a sprawling narrative of countless names, places, and conflicts without losing the reader. Her masterful storytelling keeps everything clear, even as the stakes spiral higher and the horrors multiply.
This is darkgrim fantasy at its finest, and its roots in the Second Sino-Japanese War give it a depth and authenticity that’s hard to ignore. The themes of war, colonialism, and belief are handled with such unflinching honesty that even the most intense moments—rape, genocide, self-harm, animal cruelty—don’t feel gratuitous. They’re harrowing, yes, but they serve the narrative rather than shock for shock’s sake.
If there’s such a thing as historical, coming-of-age military fantasy, this is it. And while it’s the first in a trilogy, it’s the kind of book you must pace yourself with. Reading all three back-to-back feels almost impossible—not because they’re not brilliant, but because they’re so emotionally consuming. Yet, as soon as I turned the last page, I found myself missing the story, the world, and Kuang’s voice. This isn’t just fantasy—it’s a haunting reflection on the brutal realities of war, and it’s unforgettable.
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