The Complete Poppy War Trilogy

The Poppy War, The Dragon Republic, The Burning God

From R. F. Kuang, the #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of Babel, this collection features the novels in her historical military fantasy trilogy—The Poppy War, The Dragon Republic, and The Burning God—a complete epic inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic.

The Poppy War

A war orphan, Rin earned her place in Nikan’s most elite military school. There, she discovers her lethal, unearthly power of shamanism—and learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive. When an inevitable conflict arises between longtime enemies the Nikara Empire and the Federation of Mugen, Rin realizes her shamanic powers may be the only way to save her people. But as she finds out more about the god that has chosen her, the vengeful Phoenix, she fears that winning the war may cost her humanity. . .

The Dragon Republic

After committing an atrocity in battle, shamanic warrior Rin is consumed with guilt, an opium addiction, and the murderous commands of the fiery Phoenix god. Channeling her anger against the Empress who betrayed Rin’s homeland, she chooses to join forces with the Empress’s enemy, the Dragon Warlord. But as Rin discovers the true natures of the Empress and the Dragon Warlord, the temptation to unleash the Phoenix’s fearsome power grows—and so does her vengeance. . .

The Burning God

After saving Nikan from foreign invaders and battling the evil Empress in a brutal civil war, Rin realizes that her homeland’s real power lies with the millions of common people who thirst for vengeance and revere her as a goddess of salvation. Vowing to defeat all who threaten the shamanic arts, Rin’s power and influence grows—but so does the Phoenix’s intoxicating voice urging her to burn the world and everything in it. . .

“Mixing historical parallels of Chinese history, the themes of war, politics, and colonialism are balanced with terrific, flawed characters and amazing worldbuilding.”—Library Journal (starred review)

Difficult Read, but incredible

The story is not a happy one- it’s violent and brutal, but it sucks you into the world. I thought the narrator was amazing. She really makes you feel the anger and desperation of the characters

Narration was amazing, but the story was Meh...

overall I loved the story. I couldn't stand the MC. literally years of time pass, and the MC has next to zero development other than super god powers. definitely glad I didn't waste 3 whole credits!

Meh

As other reviews have mentioned, there is a clear “protagonist” however there is no development of character. You are introduced to a brilliant, downtrodden, and compelling character in book one only to watch her become a worse person at every turn. There is some plot relevance to some of this however she never has a true reckoning with herself. The devices used to explain her behavior are fair, until a magic loophole cures them and she’s still the worst for another book or more. I suppose it could be a cautionary tale? If so I totally missed the point, and i don’t think I did.

I loved the idea of epic fantasy stepping away from the typical Eurocentric themes we are so used to, but as fascinating as the world was/is/could have been I’m left with a stale taste in my mouth over a story that had so much potential falling flat due to what almost feels like intentional self sabatoge.

Some have said it was a waste of time, I certainly would not go that far. There are some very compelling chapters and themes that are sadly overshadowed by so many disappointments. I would only recommend for someone running out of books to read, if your audiobook time is short and precious this is not for you.

Best Fantasy Series Since The Hunger Games

I LOVED this series and could not stop reading. It begins with a poor girl, who is an orphan and destined to get married off to some old guy, who will help her adopted family gain more power for their opium business. But Rin has other ideas and at the moment we are on a roller coaster of emotions that is both terrifying and sometimes painful. The characters are incredible and you will love to hate them. Read this series if you’re having a book hangover or need some excitement in your life!

Cool Magic, Dumb MC

I thought the magic and setting were very cool. 2 books through though and our main character never seems to develop, and is constantly making poor/stupid choices despite being incredibly smart and trained for all of the decisions she is supposed to be making. Voice acting was not great for all male voices.