The Poppy War - R.F. Kuang

The Poppy War is the acclaimed debut novel by R.F. Kuang, launching a grimdark fantasy trilogy inspired by Chinese history and mythology. The story follows Fang Runin ("Rin"), a war orphan from the impoverished Rooster Province, who escapes an arranged marriage by acing the national Keju exam, earning a place at the elite Sinegard Military Academy.

At Sinegard, Rin faces prejudice due to her dark skin and low birth but discovers a latent shamanic ability linked to the vengeful Phoenix god. Under the tutelage of the eccentric Master Jiang, she learns to harness her powers through meditation and psychoactive substances. As the Federation of Mugen invades Nikan, Rin is thrust into the horrors of war, joining the Cike, a unit of shamanic warriors.

The novel delves into themes of power, sacrifice, and the devastating effects of war, drawing parallels to the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Nanjing Massacre. Kuang's narrative challenges the traditional fantasy tropes, presenting a protagonist whose pursuit of power leads to morally complex decisions.