The Poppy War is the first book of its trilogy. The series is based on Chinese culture and history, specifically mirroring the second Sino-Japanese War. The series follows a war orphan, Fang Runin (Rin). The book begins with her taking the keju, which is a nationwide test to find the most talented youth to learn in the academies across the Empire of Nikan. Rin, having the highest score in her province, gets accepted to the most prestigious military academy, Sinegard. For a good chunk of the book, we follow Rin and her journey throughout the school years, and the discrimination she endures from being a dark skinned orphan, from a low province. But the petty squabbles of academic rivalry shift for Rin when she discovers she has the rare ability of a Shaman to call the power of one the Gods, that have been assumed myth. To make matters more complex, a second poppy war breaks out, with Nikan's longest enemy, Mugen. Now, with this newfound power, she becomes a military weapon, but with power comes a price, and Rin might have to pay with her own sanity.

The Poppy War is a rich and beautifully vivid book that creates a gorgeous fantasy from the very real events that occurred in our own world. Rin's character arc was brilliant in the way we saw a determined girl turn into a powerful soldier of war. The magic system was so intricate as it intertwined with religion and the very severe consequences that are given if used. I found some of the events shocking to read, and it was even more shocking to find out that the majority of it was based on very real tragedies. This is a phenomenal epic fantasy, but I would highly recommend researching its trigger warnings before picking it up. I can't wait to read The Poppy War's sequel, The Dragon Republic, and to follow Rin's journey in vengeance and fire. Again, incredible read 5/5⭐️.