The Poppy War | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

The Poppy War | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

March 26, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there book lovers, if you're looking for a gripping and intense read, then let me tell you about "The Poppy War" by R.F. Kuang. This novel is a perfect blend of fantasy, history, and warfare that will leave you spellbound from the very first page. Set in a world inspired by Chinese history and mythology, "The Poppy War" follows the journey of Rin, a young orphan girl with a thirst for knowledge and a dark power waiting to be unleashed. As you dive deeper into the pages of "The Poppy War," be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions, from heart-wrenching betrayals to breathtaking battles. R.F. Kuang weaves a tale that explores the complexities of power, identity, and the consequences of war in a way that will leave you questioning morality and the choices we make in the face of adversity. The intricate world-building and well-developed characters make this novel a standout in the fantasy genre, drawing you in with its vivid descriptions and compelling narrative. If you're a fan of "The Poppy War" and are hungry for more books that will sweep you away into immersive worlds filled with political intrigue and powerful magic, then stay tuned. In the upcoming sections, I'll be sharing some handpicked recommendations that will satisfy your craving for gripping stories similar to R.F. Kuang's extraordinary debut. Get ready to add some more epic adventures to your reading list!
The Book Cover Image for The Poppy War
The Book Cover Image for The Poppy War
Fantasy
Revenge
Action

The Rage of Dragons

The Rage of Dragons is a gripping fantasy novel that follows a young warrior seeking vengeance in a world filled with powerful enemies and ancient secrets. With intense action scenes and a well-developed protagonist, this book will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Author
Evan Winter
Year Written
2019
The Rage of Dragons
Fantasy
Revenge

Nevernight

Nevernight is an enthralling and dark fantasy novel that delves into the life of Mia Corvere, a young assassin with a thirst for vengeance. With its intricate world-building and gripping plot, this book is sure to keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Author
Jay Kristoff
Year Written
2016
Nevernight

An Ember in the Ashes

"An Ember in the Ashes" is a captivating and dark fantasy novel that follows the intertwining stories of Laia, a slave fighting for her family, and Elias, a soldier with a secret desire for freedom. With its immersive world-building and morally complex characters, this book explores themes of resilience, loyalty, and the quest for justice.
Author
Sabaa Tahir
Year Written
2015
An Ember in the Ashes
Fantasy
Epic
World-building

The Priory of the Orange Tree

The Priory of the Orange Tree is a standalone epic fantasy novel that follows multiple characters caught in a world of dragons, politics, and magic. As they navigate impending war and ancient prophecies, their destinies become intertwined in a beautifully crafted tale of courage and sacrifice.
Author
Samantha Shannon
Year Written
2019
The Priory of the Orange Tree
Fantasy
Crime
Family

Jade City

In "Jade City," Fonda Lee creates a gripping world where powerful clans battle for control of a precious substance called jade, leading to complex family dynamics and intense political intrigue. The story follows the Kaul family in the city of Janloon as they face internal power struggles and external threats that put their legacy at stake.
Author
Fonda Lee
Year Written
2017
Jade City
Fantasy
Magic
Mystery

The Bone Shard Daughter

The Bone Shard Daughter is a captivating fantasy novel that weaves together intricate world-building, complex characters, and a mysterious plot. Set in a world of magic and political intrigue, the story follows the daughter of a tyrannical emperor as she uncovers dark secrets about her past and the bone shards that power their society.
Author
Andrea Stewart
Year Written
2020
The Bone Shard Daughter
Fantasy
Historical
Mythology

The City of Brass

The City of Brass is an enchanting tale where a con artist named Nahri unwittingly summons a powerful djinn, leading her on a perilous journey filled with political intrigue, ancient magic, and a hidden city teeming with secrets. As Nahri navigates a treacherous world of mythical creatures and conflicting loyalties, she must uncover her own heritage and decide where her true allegiance lies.
Author
S.A. Chakraborty
Year Written
2017
The City of Brass
Fantasy
Adventure

Red Sister

In "Red Sister," a young girl named Nona is taken in by a convent of warrior nuns who train her in the deadly arts. As Nona navigates a world of political intrigue and magical abilities, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten her life and those she cares about.
Author
Mark Lawrence
Year Written
2017
Red Sister
Fantasy
Folklore

The Bear and the Nightingale

"The Bear and the Nightingale" is a captivating fantasy novel set in medieval Russia, where a young girl named Vasya must embrace her inherited magical gifts to protect her village from an ancient evil. With beautifully crafted prose and a richly imagined world steeped in Russian folklore, this atmospheric tale explores the power of belief, the clash of tradition and modernity, and the courage of a girl who defies societal expectations to become a legend.
Author
Katherine Arden
Year Written
2017
The Bear and the Nightingale
Epic
Fantasy
Adventure

The Grace of Kings

The Grace of Kings is an epic fantasy novel filled with political intrigue, war, and the stories of two very different men who rise up against a tyrannical empire. The book explores themes of power, loyalty, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and freedom.
Author
Ken Liu
Year Written
2015
The Grace of Kings
Science Fiction
Thriller
Futuristic

The Peripheral

The Peripheral is a novel by William Gibson that takes readers on a thrilling journey across multiple timelines and realities, featuring complex characters and a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of technology on society. With its intricate plotting and gripping narrative, this book seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, mystery, and political intrigue, delivering a captivating reading experience.
Author
William Gibson
Year Written
2014
The Peripheral
Magic
Fantasy
Adventure

A Darker Shade of Magic

A Darker Shade of Magic is a thrilling fantasy tale where Kell, a gifted magician with the power to travel across parallel Londons, finds himself caught up in a dangerous battle against dark forces. With captivating world-building and multidimensional characters, this book offers an exhilarating blend of magic, intrigue, and adventure that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Author
V.E. Schwab
Year Written
2015
A Darker Shade of Magic
Fantasy
Historical Fiction

The Golem and the Jinni

The Golem and the Jinni is a captivating historical fantasy novel that follows the unlikely friendship between a creature made of clay and a being of fire, exploring the complexities of their existence in 19th-century New York City. Through beautiful prose and rich storytelling, Helene Wecker masterfully weaves together folklore, immigrant experiences, and themes of identity and belonging in this enchanting tale.
Author
Helene Wecker
Year Written
2013
The Golem and the Jinni

FAQ

Overview

"The Poppy War" by R.F. Kuang is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of Rin, a young girl from a poor village who aces the Keju, a prestigious military academy entrance exam. Rin discovers she possesses a shamanic power that could change the course of the war against the Federation. As she trains under a reclusive master and learns to harness her powers, Rin faces the challenges of war, politics, and dark magic, ultimately leading her to make harrowing decisions with far-reaching consequences. Kuang's masterful storytelling and rich world-building create a gripping narrative that explores themes of power, identity, and the brutal realities of war. From intense battle scenes to intricate political machinations, "The Poppy War" immerses readers in a complex and morally ambiguous world that forces them to confront the darker aspects of humanity. With a protagonist who struggles with her own inner demons and a cast of diverse and compelling characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and epic storytelling.

Length of Read

11h23m

Main Characters

- Rin: A determined and ambitious young girl with a dark power that could change the course of the war, making her a key player in the unfolding events of the story. - Jiang: Rin's enigmatic and powerful shamanic mentor who guides her in honing her abilities and navigating the treacherous world of politics and magic. - Nezha: A talented and privileged student at the military academy who becomes both Rin's rival and ally, adding layers of complexity to their relationship and interactions. - Altan: A charismatic and haunted military leader whose past and present choices shape the trajectory of the war and influence Rin's own decisions. - Kitay: Rin's loyal and brilliant friend who provides support and companionship in the midst of chaos, showcasing the importance of friendship and camaraderie in times of turmoil.

Ending & Meaning

In the explosive finale of "The Poppy War," Rin unleashes the full power of the Phoenix, obliterating her enemies and achieving victory in the war. However, the cost of her actions weighs heavily on her conscience as she grapples with the darkness within herself and the devastating consequences of her choices. The ending is both triumphant and haunting, leaving readers questioning the price of power and the complexities of morality. One potential theme that readers could take away from the ending is the idea of the ends justifying the means. Rin's journey showcases the lengths to which one may go in pursuit of justice and revenge, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy. The conclusion also delves into the notion of sacrifice and the toll of war on individuals and societies, prompting readers to reflect on the true cost of conflict and power.
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