The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1) by R.F. Kuang with Emily Woo Zeller (Narrator), 19 hrs (544 pages)

"When Rin aced the Keju—the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academies—it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who believed they’d finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free of the servitude and despair that had made up her daily existence. That she got into Sinegard—the most elite military school in Nikan—was even more surprising. But surprises aren’t always good.

Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Targeted from the outset by rival classmates for her color, poverty, and gender, Rin discovers she possesses a lethal, unearthly power—an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher and psychoactive substances, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive—and that mastering control over those powers could mean more than just surviving school. 

For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The militarily advanced Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most of the people are complacent to go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away . . .

Rin’s 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 . . . and that it may already be too late." -Provided by publisher

This is a very popular series that sounded like it was right up my alley so I gave it a try. I have also read Kuang before and enjoyed her writing style. This was just not for me. Kuang is well-known for writing beautifully, but her main characters are very unlikeable. This is no exception. In the past with Kuang, despite unlikeable characters, the story kept going to the next chapter, but there was a lot of this story that just put me off. I am definitely in the minority with this opinion though, as this book is very beloved and highly rated. I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it; it just wasn't for me. Check content warnings on this book before reading.