The Poppy War

The Poppy War is a grim and dark fantasy inspired by China’s actual history. Rin is an orphan girl trying to escape her life and into the best military school in the country. Once there, she discovers a mythical power to call a God to her aide. But, calling the vengeful Phoenix is not what it seems… the power could help her save her country, or it could destroy her.

I really love that Rin is not your typical fantasy protagonist. She’s angry, stubborn, and often violent. She makes mistakes, makes the wrong decisions, and takes the wrong paths. Through all her flaws though, I did believe that she wanted to do the right thing, at least as she saw it.

Fair warning, when I said this book is grim and dark, I meant it. I can’t think of another fantasy book that so shockingly illustrates the violence and horrors of war. This book is called the “Poppy” war, for a reason. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book, and I had no idea what was going to happen. Rin’s decisions will haunt her for the rest of her life, and since I’m totally invested in her journey, I’ve already started book 2 because I need to know how she will or won’t deal with her guilt.