Over the years I have read many fantasy books but I have never found a series that uses Asian history to such good effect as The Poppy War series by R.F. Kuang. Using 12th century China as a back drop, Kuang creates fascinating characters, includes magical and shamanistic powers and creates a world that is filled with intrigue, betrayal and danger.

Rin, is a war orphan from a impoverished district of the Empire. So it is a complete shock to everyone when she passes the Keju, the test that is given in order to gather the best and brightest to study at The Academies. That she was accepted into Sinegard, the elite military academy in Ninkan, is even more impressive. But sometimes even our dreams contain bitterness and Rin soon finds that her darker skin and lack of family connections, money or power, put her at a distinct disadvantage among this elite group of students.

Isolated and alone, Rin begins to regret the honor of attending Sinegard, until one of her teachers expresses an interest in her and under his tutelage she discovers vast sources of power within herself. As she focuses on her new powers and begins to understand their vast and lethal potential and their place in the shamanisitc traditions of her people, Rin understands both the burden and potential in this gift from the Phoenix god.

Her power, though is not just her own, and Rin must contend with various powerful forces who want to use her for their own political ambitions. Additionally, Rin herself becomes afraid of the power that she holds and her inability to control it safely and as a result becomes dependent on opium as a way to manage her power. As Rin negotiates the political minefields that surround her, she must also learn who to trust and how to trust in herself.

Kuang is skillful in developing both the the characters, and the plot lines in unexpected  ways. Rin is a flawed hero, a reluctant actor on an unfamiliar stage. She becomes a leader, but does not know how to lead, and she is constantly afraid of her power and her inability to control it.  Yet she is brave, and kind, and she remembers what it is like to be poor and have no power and those lessons stay with her and help guide her along this treacherous new path. For those of us who are not familiar with 12th century Chinese history, the myriad twists and turns of political power and treachery all add to the complicated and suspenseful plotllines. The final book in this series is coming out in November and I am really looking forward to see how this story ends!

Brenda’s Rating:****(4 Out Of 5 Stars)

Recommend these books to: Lauren and Ken

Book Study worthy? Yes

Read in ebook format.