The Poppy War by R. F Kuang

“The Poppy War” follows the journey of Rin, a war orphan from the impoverished Rooster Province, who earns a place at the prestigious Sinegard Academy through sheer determination and relentless studying. At Sinegard, she faces prejudice and discovers her latent shamanic abilities. As the political tension in the empire escalates into full-scale war, Rin must navigate the complexities of her power, her place in a brutal world, and her own personal demons. Drawing inspiration from 20th-century Chinese history, particularly the Second Sino-Japanese War, the novel delves into themes of power, trauma, and the impact of war on society and individuals.