The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

“They were monsters!" Rin shrieked. "They were not human!"

"Have you ever considered" he said slowly "that that was exactly what they thought of us?”

The Nikara Empire is at peace but 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 . . .

This book is incredible. It is difficult to read at the same time it's insanely readable. It is a historical fantasy that is set in a fictionalized China (Nikan). Set mostly in an elite military academy you get to see Rin and her classmates become soldiers. Theoretically and then all too real when war comes again to Nikan.

I really liked the Shaman magic system and I'm looking forward to seeing how it will be used going forward in the trilogy.

This series ties in a lot of traditional Chinese mythology. I'm not extremely well versed but I enjoyed seeing some familiar names such as Nezah. It makes me want to read the original tales so I can make even more connections upon a reread.

I won't lie this book gets dark, and I highly recommend looking into trigger warnings before jumping into this series. Despite the magic elements it gives a very real look at what war is on the front lines. With that said I think that this book is worth reading and I highly recommend it to anyone who can handle the material.