The Poppy War: A Novel
by R. F. Kuang
The Poppy War: A Novel by R. F. Kuang holds a highly rated rating of 4.30 out of 5, based on 15.4K reader ratings. First published in 2018. The book spans 522 pages.
About The Poppy War: A Novel
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 t
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | R. F. Kuang |
| Published | 2018 |
| Pages | 522 |
| Kindle Price | $11.49 |
| Genres | Fiction |
| Average Rating | 4.30 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 15,362 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Poppy War: A Novel?
The Poppy War: A Novel is categorized as Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Fiction.
Is The Poppy War: A Novel worth reading?
Based on 15.4K reader ratings, The Poppy War: A Novel has an average score of 4.30 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is The Poppy War: A Novel?
The Poppy War: A Novel has 522 pages. It is a longer read suited for dedicated readers.
Who wrote The Poppy War: A Novel?
The Poppy War: A Novel was written by R. F. Kuang. It was first published in 2018.
What is the ISBN for The Poppy War: A Novel?
The ISBN-13 for The Poppy War: A Novel is 9781538519097.
How much does The Poppy War: A Novel cost on Kindle?
The Poppy War: A Novel is available on Kindle for $11.49. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
