The Poppy War by: K.F. Kuang

The Poppy War is a powerful and immersive epic fantasy that blends historical events with high‑stakes magic and military conflict. Set in a richly imagined world inspired by twentieth‑century China, the novel follows Rin, a war orphan from a poor rural province who defies expectations by acing the empire‑wide Keju exam and earning a place at Sinegard — the elite military academy of the Nikara Empire. Facing discrimination for her background, Rin uncovers a lethal, mysterious power tied to ancient shamanic forces. As tensions escalate and war looms with the formidable Federation of Mugen, Rin must master her extraordinary abilities to protect her homeland — even as doing so threatens to strip away her humanity. This striking debut from bestselling author R. F. Kuang combines gritty warfare, political intrigue, and mythic magic in a sweeping saga about power, identity, and survival.