The Poppy War

She Survived the Exam. She May Not Survive What Comes Next.

R.F. Kuang's debut novel is one of the most acclaimed, most discussed, and most devastating works of fantasy fiction in recent memory. The Poppy War begins as a dark academic military fantasy and transforms into something far more harrowing — a story about war, power, and the terrible cost of survival that draws unflinchingly from the darkest chapters of 20th-century Chinese history.

The Story

Rin is a war orphan from the south of the Nikara Empire — poor, dark-skinned, and determined to escape her arranged marriage by passing the Keju, the empire's most gruelling entrance exam. Against all odds, she earns a place at Sinegard, the country's most elite military academy. But Sinegard is brutal, and Rin's classmates are the children of privilege. When she discovers a terrifying power within herself — one that connects her to the gods — she must decide how far she is willing to go to use it. And when war comes, she will learn that some victories are indistinguishable from atrocities.

Why This Book Is Essential Reading

• A New York Times bestseller and one of the most lauded fantasy debuts of the decade
• Inspired by the Second Sino-Japanese War — brutal, unflinching, and historically grounded
• R.F. Kuang's razor-sharp prose and fearless storytelling set a new standard for grimdark fantasy
• Perfect for fans of Babel, The Name of the Wind, and dark, morally complex epic fantasy

A Word of Warning

This book does not flinch. It contains graphic depictions of war, violence, and atrocity. It is also one of the most important and powerful fantasy novels written in the last decade. Read it with that in mind.

Published by Harper Voyager. Paperback, 200 g. ISBN: 9780008239848.