R. F. Kuang

Winner of the Reddit Fantasy Award for Best Debut 2018 ‘The best fantasy debut of 2018’ WIRED

The Poppy War (The Poppy War, Book 1)

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.

The Poppy War

Kaitlyn

“Are we getting high?" Rin said. "Oh, wow. We're getting high, aren't we?"

"I'm getting high," said Jiang. “You're watching."

When Rin aced the Keju, the test to find the most talented students in the Nikara Empire, it was a shock to everyone. 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. Fighting the prejudice of rival classmates, Rin discovers that she possesses a lethal, unearthly power - an aptitude for the nearly mythical art of shamanism. Exploring her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive - and that mastering these powers could mean more than just surviving school.
For while the Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most people calmly go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away...

Natalia Melike

It was simply, what happened when one race decided that the other was insignificant. 

The Federation had massacred Golyn Niis for the simple reason that they did not think of the Nikara as buman. And if your opponent was not human, if your opponent was a cockroach, what did it mnatter how many of them you killed? What was the difference between crushing an ant and setting an anthill on fire? Why shouldn't you pull wings off insects for your own enjoyment? The bug might feel pain, but what did that matter to you? 

To the Federation, to wipe out an entire race overnight was not an atrocity at all. Only a necessity.

"What did you ever do to make them hate you so much?"

 "It's not anything we did," said Altan. His left hand, Rin noticed, was shaking again. "It's how the Federation soldiers were trained. When you believe your life means nothing except for your usefulness to your Emperor, the lives of your enemies mean even less."

Children ceased to be children when you put a sword in their hands. When you taught them to fight a war, then you armed them and put them on the front lines, they were not children anymore. They were soldiers.

Nuno Miguel Gonçalo Salgueiro

"The feeling of commiseration is the principle of. . "Benevolence,"«The feeling of shame and dis- like is the principle of righteousness. The feeling of modesty and complaisance is the principle of... the principle of, uh, propriety. And the feeling of approving and disapproving is the principle o knowledge."

"The Way of Heaven operates unceasingly, and leaves no ac- Cumulation of its influence in any particular place, so that all things are brought to perfection by it . . . so does the Way operate, and all under the sky turn to them, and all within the seas submit to them, "

Luoyi

"Have you ever considered, he said slowly, "that that was exactly what they thought of us?" They glared at each other, breathing heavily. Blood thundered in Rin's ears.

"Nothing is written," said the Phoenix. "You humans always think you're destined for things, for tragedy or for greatness. Destiny is a myth. Destiny is the only myth. The gods choose nothing. You chose. 

He leaned forward and grasped her face in both hands. She thought for a bizarre moment that he was going to kiss her. He didn't. He pressed his forehead against hers for a long time.

That's why the Speerlies became addicted to opium so easily, she realized. Not because they needed it for their fire. Because for some of them, it was the only time they could get away from their horrible god.

"I don't need your pity. I need you to kill them for me. You have to kill them for me" Venka hissed. "Swear it. Swear on your blood that you will burn them." "Venka, I can't.. "I know you can." Venka's voice climbed in pitch. I heard what they said about you. You have to burn them. Whatever it takes. Swear it on your life. Swear it. Swear it for me." Her eyes were like shattered glass. It took all of Rin's courage to meet her gaze. "I swear."

"How dare you," he said. His voice was overly loud, distorted through her thundering ears. "You misunderstand the nature of our relationship. I am not your friend. I am not your brother, though kin we may be. I am your commander. You do not argue with my orders. You follow themn without question. You obey me, or you leave this militia.

She cut him off before he could get a word in. "I was the war orphan from the south, and you were the rich kid from Sinegard, and you tormented me. You made Sinegard a living hell. Nezha "

The more Altan moved, the brighter he burned, as if the Phoenix itself were slowly burning through him to breach the divide between the world of dreaming and the material world.

HELLOOO!? pls i just need them to start dating already 

Without thinking they sank into a formation; back to back, fighting while covering each other's blind spots. They made a startlingly good team… They were each intimately familiar with the other’s weaknesses.

"We're at war! We might die anyway. So maybe calling the gods gives us a fighting chance. What's the worst that could happen?" You're so young" he said softly. “You have no idea."

kitay is a real one. protect him at all cost

Moray waggled his eyebrows.”One might say you’ve been obsessed with Nezha.” “Don’t be disgusting.” “You are. You’re always asking me about him.” “Because I’m curious,” Rin said. “Sunzi says to know your enemy.” “Fuck Sunzi. You just think he’s pretty.”

“Because I can,” she said. “Because he thought he could get rid of me. Because I want to break his stupid face.”

real. but drinking herb tea right after to destroy ur entire uterus is a bit extreme

“So you’re not dying, sweetheart, your body is just shedding your uterine lining.” Rin’s jaw had been hanging open for a solid minute. “What the fuck?”

words cannot express how much i hate this character 

Every year we get someone like you, some country bumpkin who thinks that just because they were good at taking some test, they deserve my time and attention.

elly

They worship men whom they believe are gods, not gods themselves.

But like the Fangs, the majority of Nikara were religious only when it suited them.

An interesting fantasy novel with a good mix of Chinese history, but I sometimes butt heads with the two concepts of "fantasy mild romance and playfulness" and "extreme brutallity" mixing together. Some parts felt weirdly placed, and I think overall the book would've been better off without any mention of "this boy is cute" as the story really wants you to see a brutal side of real life history. Overall, still a fun read and will potentially continue the trilogy!

Max Riley

Really good for the most part but that ending is ASSSSSS

Finnegan Cole

YEARS-OLD REVIEW i’m putting it here for the record

(bear with me, my memory is that of a goldfish and the review will likely be lacking)

finally dipped my toes into reading historical fantasy and i don’t think i could have chosen better. every arc had me conjuring parallels in my head to actual human history and the marks made by war. story aside, the characters attached themselves to me in ways i didn’t expect from this genre (then again, to be expected as a fan of found family tropes). lastly, kitay, you have my heart.

p.s. i have no idea if the start date is right… i put this off for so long.

rini

YEARS-OLD REVIEW i’m putting it here for the record

(bear with me, my memory is that of a goldfish and the review will likely be lacking)

finally dipped my toes into reading historical fantasy and i don’t think i could have chosen better. every arc had me conjuring parallels in my head to actual human history and the marks made by war. story aside, the characters attached themselves to me in ways i didn’t expect from this genre (then again, to be expected as a fan of found family tropes). lastly, kitay, you have my heart.

p.s. i have no idea if the start date is right… i put this off for so long.

jade shen

Incredible world-building and fascinating parallels to Chinese history. Very raw. 

Clara

Very well written book. Well thought out.

I loved how Rin destroyed a whole island and I also love how she kept herself away from the Phoenix 🐦‍🔥 for a long ass time. Honestly respect.

One thing that disappointed me was that Nezha died and also I didn’t really understand Rin being slightly in love with Altan. 

Ester Waclavova

Very well written book. Well thought out.

I loved how Rin destroyed a whole island and I also love how she kept herself away from the Phoenix 🐦‍🔥 for a long ass time. Honestly respect.

One thing that disappointed me was that Nezha died and also I didn’t really understand Rin being slightly in love with Altan. 

Honestly, I was terrified to read this book. It seemed so daunting but am I glad I did 👏 From quite literally the first chapter, I was there. This was an exhibition in world building. 

The plot, the characters, the array of topics covered throughout this book were second to none. Every single sentence was thought out and only ever added to the story. All of the characters had purpose, nothing was thrown into this book just for the sake of it. I especially loved Jiang and Rin’s relationship through her school years. I also loved how Altan played so many roles with his character and almost alternated between being an antagonist and protagonist througout Rin’s life. 

The magic system in this book is like nothing I’ve read in terms of how it was integrated into the world. It was so seamlessly built into this harsh, gritty world that these otherworldly powers possessed by Rin and Altan seemed completely plausible. Using the Gods as source of power is genius! They have a personalities and opinions and they can interact with Rin, adding yet another dimension to her story. 

This book just kept on building and building, I cannot believe where we left off. More NOW please. This was perfect, no notes. 5 stars. 

Eimear O'Connor 

Oh. My. God. 

Honestly, I was terrified to read this book. It seemed so daunting but am I glad I did 👏 From quite literally the first chapter, I was there. This was an exhibition in world building. 

The plot, the characters, the array of topics covered throughout this book were second to none. Every single sentence was thought out and only ever added to the story. All of the characters had purpose, nothing was thrown into this book just for the sake of it. I especially loved Jiang and Rin’s relationship through her school years. I also loved how Altan played so many roles with his character and almost alternated between being an antagonist and protagonist througout Rin’s life. 

The magic system in this book is like nothing I’ve read in terms of how it was integrated into the world. It was so seamlessly built into this harsh, gritty world that these otherworldly powers possessed by Rin and Altan seemed completely plausible. Using the Gods as source of power is genius! They have a personalities and opinions and they can interact with Rin, adding yet another dimension to her story. 

This book just kept on building and building, I cannot believe where we left off. More NOW please. This was perfect, no notes. 5 stars. 

A Library Journal Best Books of 2018 pick! Washington Post "5 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Novel of 2018" pick! A Bustle "30 Best Fiction Books of 2018" pick! “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 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.

A Novel

Jillian Roberts

The book started with great potential—I was hooked from the very first pages. However, after Part 2, something shifted. The story lost momentum and began to feel suspended in midair. Despite the ongoing war and constant conflict, the plot barely progressed.

Rin, the protagonist, seemed poised for a powerful transformation, rising like a phoenix. But her growth never quite took off. So much happened, yet it all felt superficial—like the story skimmed over the surface without diving deeper.

Rin herself is frustratingly insufferable, and her relationships feel hollow. What happened to the “friends” she once fought alongside? Their absence and lack of emotional connection made the narrative feel even more disjointed.

Even Altan’s backstory, which could have added meaningful depth, felt thin and underdeveloped. In the end, I’m left disappointed—and unsure if I’ll continue with the second book.

Bilge Ince

The book started with great potential—I was hooked from the very first pages. However, after Part 2, something shifted. The story lost momentum and began to feel suspended in midair. Despite the ongoing war and constant conflict, the plot barely progressed.

Rin, the protagonist, seemed poised for a powerful transformation, rising like a phoenix. But her growth never quite took off. So much happened, yet it all felt superficial—like the story skimmed over the surface without diving deeper.

Rin herself is frustratingly insufferable, and her relationships feel hollow. What happened to the “friends” she once fought alongside? Their absence and lack of emotional connection made the narrative feel even more disjointed.

Even Altan’s backstory, which could have added meaningful depth, felt thin and underdeveloped. In the end, I’m left disappointed—and unsure if I’ll continue with the second book.

That was incredible! Absolute cinema. Devastating, but incredible. Infinity stars! I LOVED it!! 

Aims

♾️⭐️ 

That was incredible! Absolute cinema. Devastating, but incredible. Infinity stars! I LOVED it!! 

“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 of 2018 pick! Washington Post "5 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Novel of 2018" pick! A Bustle "30 Best Fiction Books of 2018" 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.

Reminds me of Attack on Titan. I like there is no true villain or hero. 

Tabitha Rone

...almost 4 stars. I don't like cheeky dialogue in my war epics. Also traumatized tortured men are of very little interest to me, but it makes for a great unreliable narrator bc girrrlll

Claire Jorgensen

I’ve said many times “everyone sucks, burn it all down”. This book really makes you face that statement and sit with it. Who is innocent? In war, what’s the difference between a murderer and a soldier? 

I now need to lie down for several days and stare at a wall to recover. 

Hannah Bateman

I’ve said many times “everyone sucks, burn it all down”. This book really makes you face that statement and sit with it. Who is innocent? In war, what’s the difference between a murderer and a soldier? 

I now need to lie down for several days and stare at a wall to recover. 

i took my time reading this book because i was aware of kuang’s goal to be historically accurate in her storytelling. despite the time period the underlying themes of racism, socioeconomic inequality, and the effects of war stand true in today’s world. i was intrigued by how kuang explored the ideas of both power and control, as seen through rin and atlan. atlan chose to harness his abilities, he was aware of his power but did not want to use it to his full capacity. whereas rin craved the full unleashed power, she wanted to avenge her people. although i was not immediately immersed in rin’s story i would love to see how she prevails in the second book.

elizabeth ❀

I love a complicated female main character, though Rin takes that a bit far!! I'm intrigued to see where her villian arc takes her

Caroline Piephoff

i was gutted and distraught but i was also so enraptured in the beauty of the damn book. it’s amazing

maria garcia 

Sílvia

“I don't love you. And I can kill anything

I've sat on this review—this entire trilogy really—since January of this year. Genuinely, this may be the most gutting, mind-bending story I have read in my 25 years on this planet. It is NOT for the faint of heart. 

Rin is the morally grey (sometimes morally black) character of my most frenzied daydreams. She says the quiet parts out loud. She fails the Trolley Problem 9 times out of 10. She's selfish and petty and so goddamn angry. 

Too often it seems like authors shy away from the worst aspects of human nature in order to make their characters and their story more palatable to the masses. But that's not real. I applaud Kuang's courage to let Rin and her cohorts show their teeth unapologetically. 

This was, in my personal opinion, a masterclass of weaving historical atrocity with a fantasy veneer. Kuang based her characters and plot on the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Song Dynasty. She showcases some of the most brutal aspects of that time period, while also using the text as a study in the inherent violence of colonialism.

Just...a phenomenal work of genius and emotional integrity.

Catherine

“I don't love you. And I can kill anything.”

I've sat on this review—this entire trilogy really—since January of this year. Genuinely, this may be the most gutting, mind-bending story I have read in my 25 years on this planet. It is NOT for the faint of heart. 

Rin is the morally grey (sometimes morally black) character of my most frenzied daydreams. She says the quiet parts out loud. She fails the Trolley Problem 9 times out of 10. She's selfish and petty and so goddamn angry. 

And I love her for it. 

Too often it seems like authors shy away from the worst aspects of human nature in order to make their characters and their story more palatable to the masses. But that's not real. I applaud Kuang's courage to let Rin and her cohorts show their teeth unapologetically. 

This was, in my personal opinion, a masterclass of weaving historical atrocity with a fantasy veneer. Kuang based her characters and plot on the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Song Dynasty. She showcases some of the most brutal aspects of that time period, while also using the text as a study in the inherent violence of colonialism.

Just...a phenomenal work of genius and emotional integrity.



Poppy War

i need to just sit and reflect for a bit i think

khush

I think it’s a little unfair to grade based on my feelings on a reread because it’s definitely a book with less reread value and I kind of want to finish this trilogy so I can actually finish it 

Good work with Rin, Kitay, Nezha. Setting is a little derivative but it’s masked enough and (at the time) less common. Plot is dense and fast paced, points for that, but lacks in aesthetic and voice and tone (minus points for that)

Omar 

I think it’s a little unfair to grade based on my feelings on a reread because it’s definitely a book with less reread value and I kind of want to finish this trilogy so I can actually finish it 

Good work with Rin, Kitay, Nezha. Setting is a little derivative but it’s masked enough and (at the time) less common. Plot is dense and fast paced, points for that, but lacks in aesthetic and voice and tone (minus points for that)

The Poppy War (The Poppy War, Book 1)

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