The Poppy War

Winner of the Reddit Fantasy Award for Best Debut 2018

The best fantasy debut of 2018 – WIRED

A brilliantly imaginative epic fantasy debut, inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic.

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang is an unflinching tale of power, ambition, and survival, set in a richly detailed and vividly realised world. The story follows Fang Runin, known as Rin, a war orphan from the impoverished Rooster Province, whose life changes dramatically when she aces the Keju, the Empire's rigorous and prestigious test designed to uncover the most talented youths. Against all odds, Rin secures a place at Sinegard, the elite military academy of the Nikara Empire.

Rin's journey at Sinegard is fraught with challenges. As a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south, she faces severe prejudice and hostility from her privileged, often cruel classmates. Yet, she remains undeterred, driven by an insatiable desire to prove herself and escape the constraints of her past.

Amid the academic and physical trials at the academy, Rin discovers a hidden, potent talent within herself: the ancient and nearly forgotten art of shamanism. Guided by an eccentric and seemingly unhinged teacher, she delves into this mystical discipline, learning to access the powers of the gods through intense training and the use of psychoactive substances. Rin's abilities grow, unveiling not only immense power but also the harrowing realisation that these divine forces are far from dormant.

Despite the Nikara Empire currently being at peace, the shadow of war looms ever near. The malicious Federation of Mugen, which once occupied Nikan after the First Poppy War and was repelled during the Second, still hovers threateningly beyond the sea. While many of Rin's compatriots remain complacent or ignorant, she perceives the fragile peace and prepares for the inevitable conflict that would plunge the empire into chaos once more.

The Poppy War is more than a tale of magic and war; it's a brutal exploration of the cost of power and the complexities of human conflict. R.F. Kuang weaves historical allegory with striking fantastical elements to create a narrative that is both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching, making it a standout addition to the fantasy genre.