The Poppy War #1 : The Poppy War

The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

Paperback
Pages: 527
Date of Release: 18 October 2018

Literary awards: Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novel (2018), Locus Award Nominee for First Novel (2019), World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel (2019), Compton Crook Award (2019), British Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Newcomer (Sydney J. Bounds Award) (2019), The Kitschies Nominee for Golden Tentacle (Debut) (2018), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Fantasy and for Debut Author (2018), Reddit r/fantasy Stabby Award for Best Debut Novel (2018), BookNest Award Nominee for Best Debut Novel (2018), RUSA CODES Reading List Nominee for Fantasy (2019)

A war orphan from the poorest province of Nikan was never meant to rise. But Rin does the unthinkable—she aces the Keju, the Empire-wide exam that decides who may enter Sinegard, the most elite military academy in the land. Her success shocks everyone, including herself, and frees her from a future of servitude.

Life at Sinegard, however, is brutal. As a dark-skinned peasant girl among privileged elites, Rin faces relentless prejudice, ruthless competition, and punishing training. Yet she soon discovers she possesses a terrifying gift: an aptitude for shamanism, a nearly forgotten and deeply dangerous art that channels the power of gods long believed dead.

Under the guidance of a mysterious and unstable teacher, Rin explores the cost of wielding divine power—one that could destroy her as easily as it could save her. And as ancient forces awaken, a greater threat looms. The Nikara Empire’s fragile peace with the Federation of Mugen is on the brink of collapse. Another war is coming—and Rin may be its most powerful weapon.

Dark, uncompromising, and inspired by the violent history of twentieth-century China, The Poppy War is a searing epic fantasy about power, trauma, war, and the price of ambition.

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