The Poppy War

A Novel

De: R. F. Kuang

Narrado por: Emily Woo Zeller

An AudioFile Magazine Best Audiobook of 2018!

A Library Journal, Paste Magazine, and ENTROPYBest 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.

disappointed

not a strong female character. she started out that way but turned into a ignorant child by the end who cared nothing about others

whiny

When the main character isn't whining, she's throwing a tantrum. No character growth either. the narrator makes it worse. Every time she makes the character wound even more whiny.

Starts strong

Good characters, fantastic setting, and nice writing. When it strays into the horrors of war, it becomes hard to take. But that pales in comparison to the fact that the central motivation of one of the characters-- the point that the whole plot turns on -- is left to a future book to resolve. I felt very unsatisfied in the end.

Interesting, but falls short of my expectation...

First off, let me say that this is by no means a bad book. In fact, there were elements I thought were very good. My issue is that the main character Ren fluctuates from a crying, scared and confused peasant girl, into a confident soldier and then into a self doubting, bruised little girl over and over and over again. Her voice does not grow, it feels like she’s just a hot mess. If the author was trying to create a complex character, I feel that gets lost and all that comes through is a spiteful, annoying and self loathing child woman. That being said, the supporting characters are well designed and the overall story held my interest. A decent effort but not boom I would re read when looking for an “old friend.”

the performer is whispering to you.....wtf....

I have a hard time hearing the performer.... she goes from normal volume in dialogue to whispers for exposition...... and it is god awful and annoying. the book is quite good though.