The Poppy War

A Novel

By: R. F. Kuang

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

An AudioFile Magazine Best Audiobook of 2018!

A Library Journal, Paste Magazine, 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!

“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.

Good characters & writing, dark story and bad end

I'll start with the best part. the narrator, who performed well. She was pleasant to listen to, voiced the characters distinctly, spoke at a good pace, and enunciated well. The worst part, for me, was the story itself. I don't like dark and depressing stories as a whole, most of the characters I liked were killed or turned dark, and one character I didn't like became likable and was then tossed aside. Even worse, the end of the book was completely unsatisfying - a quick wrap-up by deus ex machina and a separate, unexpected, unexplained turn-around. In other words, let's take some interesting characters, torture them until they break, bring the whole world to the edge of destruction, and then hand-wave a miraculous victory. I liked several of the characters enough to keep reading, hope that the author would turn things around in the end, but I was mistaken. The name of the book is not what the book is about, the picture on the cover is not one of the main characters, and the core of book seems to be about the "dark demons" inside of us (hate, revenge, fear, etc.).

Spectacular

One of the best performances and stories I've heard in a long time. The protagonist was frustrating at times but it was an accurate portrayal of a person of her age, flaws and all. I like that she isnt a perfect character but she isn't overly annoying that you get sick of her either. All of the other characters are multi-faceted and well rounded. Overall, great story.
Only critique: The descriptors of the land/layout/history sometimes were overly dense, bogged the flow down, and added little to the story in a few spots.
The narrator was amazing (except when she was embodying a character's yelling voice).
Im so happy this series was recommended to me. I hope the second and third books keep the momentum of this one.

A must read for dark fantasy and Grimdark fans

A novel of war, vengeance, magic, gods. a great Grimdark fantasy book. It’s a book that is super dark. Goes for show you what war is based off, hate. Takes place in an alternative China and alternative Japan. A magic system based on psychedelics is super awesome. A fantasy book that takes place in places like Asian is super refreshing and well needed. Rin is a girl with not a person in the world. She comes into magic that places her with the gods. A must read for fantasy fans. Emily woo Zeller did such a stellar job. Looking forward to hearing her do more books!

Can't Wait For Book 2

I have read very little fantasy fiction but you have inspired a new reader of this genre. I really enjoyed the richness of your style and never felt their was filler... everything had meaning!

Amazingly intense!

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! Especially at part three!