Introduction
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang is the story of a war orphan who studies for the Keju, a national test that allows the smartest students to go to Sinegard Academy, a military college that trains warriors. Rin does well in her classes but is bullied by her classmates. She meets her master Jiang who teaches her how to access her shamanic powers. Then the wars begin. I chose to read this series after finishing Yellowface, another book by R.F. Kuang. Kuang’s writing style and character development is incredible.
About the book
The Poppy Wars by R.F. Kuang is a historical fantasy novel inspired by Chinese history in the twentieth century. You can purchase by clicking the title link to go to Amazon where I receive a small commission for each purchase or find it at your local library through the Libby App.
Summary (spoiler-free)
The Poppy Wars follows the story of Rin, an orphan shop girl stuck in opium trade who is set to be married if she does not pass the Keju. When she does, she goes on to Sinegard Academy, the military college. Here she is the poor girl among the wealthy and privileged and she must do everything she can to prove herself to be a worthy apprentice in her first year to make it to her second. When she meets her master Jiang, everything changes when her shamanic powers surface which connect her to her god. Will the Phoenix be everything she needs to survive or will it destroy her humanity?
“What does it matter? They’re coming, and we’re staying, and at the end of the day whoever is alive is the side that wins. War doesn’t determine who’s right. War determines who remains.”
What I loved
R.F. Kuang writes beautiful historical fantasy in The Poppy War. The world building is immersive and you become connected to the characters in such an endearing way. The characters stay with you the entire time you read this series and the lessons they learn, you learn as well.
Who should read this book?
For fantasy lovers and history lovers as well, I highly recommend this book. There are graphic war scenes and discussion of SA, so please mind your mental health when reading this series.
Final thoughts & Rating
My first five star read of 2025, I am now on the third book in this series and already begging my fiancé to read it so I have someone to discuss it with. Highly Recommend.
“Children ceased to be children when you put a sword in their hands. When you taught them to fight a war, then you armed them and put them on the front lines, they were not children anymore. They were soldiers.”
Further Reading
Read my latest review of The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes HERE.
