The Poppy War (#1) by R.F. Kuang

By Lean and Love �� - September 11, 2022

Tittle      : The Poppy War (#1)
Author        : R.F. Kuang
Pub Date : May 01, 2018
Pages         : 545
My Rating : ★★★★★

The Summary

It was a surprise to everyone when Rin aced the Keju—the Empire-wide test to identify the brightest young people to study at the Academies. The test administrators couldn't believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; Rin's guardians thought they'd finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and Rin herself realized she was finally free from the servitude and despair that had been her daily existence. Even more shocking was the fact that she was accepted into Sinegard, Nikan's top military academy.

However, surprises aren't always favorable.

Because it's not always easy to be a dark-skinned peasant girl from the South in Sinegard. As a result of being targeted from the start by competitor students due to her race, poverty, and gender, Rin learns she has a deadly, supernatural talent—a talent for the almost mythological practice of shamanism. With the aid of a teacher who appears to be insane and psychoactive drugs, Rin learns how powerful her talent is and how gods that were once believed to be extinct are still very much alive. She also discovers that mastering her abilities could mean more than just getting through school.

Because the Federation of Mugen is still present across a small sea, even though the Nikara Empire is at peace. After the First Poppy War, the technologically sophisticated Federation controlled Nikan for several years, and it only narrowly lost the continent in the Second. A Third Poppy War is only a spark away, but most people are content to go about their lives without thinking twice.

The only chance for saving Rin's people may lie in her shamanic abilities. She worries that winning the conflict will cost her humanity and that it may already be too late as she learns more about the furious Phoenix, the God who has chosen her.

My Review

I was utterly speechless after finishing the book.

This work of adult high fantasy is quite dramatic and skillfully integrates aspects of Chinese history.

All of the characters have such rich, complex personalities. The book had the perfect pacing and was action-packed. Because Rin is brave, tenacious, and strong, I absolutely admire her. One of the best female protagonists I've ever had to deal with, Rin, has truly grown into.

I would say that this work is greatly influenced by Chinese and Asian culture because I am Asian and am familiar with the culture. I sometimes lose track of the fact that this book is merely fiction because so many of the events and words seem so commonplace to me.

Because the author is so adept at building tension and establishing the mood, she simply relishes twisting the knife even farther once the action begins. I was never sure where to be glad or terrified since I was always on the lookout and unsure of whether everything was a farce or another lie. My expectations had been sorely disappointed and perplexed that I had to sit rapt with attention repeatedly in an effort to regain my composure.

Its portrayal of imperialism, brutality, colonialism, and war through the lens of the Nanking Massacre is perhaps its most important contribution. This story is most definitely not for the faint of heart because of how historically accurate the fighting scenarios detailed in it are.

Not to mention, I can't even begin to describe how anxious I am to continue this series! The reading must be completed despite being difficult.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done!

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot.