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. 

 

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Get a Life, Chloe Brown (The Brown Sisters #1) by Talia Hibbert, 373 p. 

"Chloe Brown is a chronically ill computer geek with a goal, a plan, and a list. After almost—but not quite—dying, she’s come up with six directives to help her “Get a Life”, and she’s already completed the first: finally moving out of her glamourous family’s mansion. 

But it’s not easy being bad, even when you’ve written step-by-step guidelines on how to do it correctly. What Chloe needs is a teacher, and she knows just the man for the job.

Redford ‘Red’ Morgan is a handyman with tattoos, a motorcycle, and more sex appeal than ten-thousand Hollywood heartthrobs. He’s also an artist who paints at night and hides his work in the light of day, which Chloe knows because she spies on him occasionally. Just the teeniest, tiniest bit.

But when she enlists Red in her mission to rebel, she learns things about him that no spy session could teach her. Like why he clearly resents Chloe’s wealthy background. And why he never shows his art to anyone. And what really lies beneath his rough exterior…"--Amazon blurb

This spicy romance was a fun, quick read. Hibbert has great character development, though the plot was nothing new. I felt like there were three very defined acts and you knew exactly what was going to happen. However, I did enjoy myself and I will continue the series. 

Infamous by Lex Croucher

Infamous by Lex Croucher, 336 p.

"22-year-old aspiring writer Edith 'Eddie' Miller and her best friend Rose have always done everything together-climbing trees, throwing grapes at boys, sneaking bottles of wine, practicing kissing . . .

But following their debutante ball Rose is suddenly talking about marriage, and Eddie is horrified. When Eddie meets charming, renowned poet Nash Nicholson, he invites her to his crumbling Gothic estate in the countryside. The entourage of eccentric artists indulging in pure hedonism is exactly what Eddie needs in order to forget Rose and finish her novel. But Eddie might discover the world of famous literary icons isn't all poems and pleasure . . .

Eddie Miller wants nothing more than to be a writer. Her best friend, Rose, is her biggest supporter, and the one that grounds her to reality. When Eddie meets the writer/poet she looks up to most, Nash Nicholson, her life is turned upside down. She loves his writing, but how else will he fit in to her world? When a whole artistic crowd decide to go to Nash's country estate, things turn chaotic, a bit drunk (among other things), and cold. Will Nash's promise to show Eddie's manuscript to his editor be her dream come true? And will Rose, who is not a fan of Nash, still be there by the time it happens?

A regency, sapphic romance? Yes, please! While I didn't always find Eddie to be a likeable main character, I wanted to follow her through her chaotic life to see if she could become a successful writer. There was much foreshadowing in the writing, and I had the big twist figured out before it happened, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of the novel. Great writing from a new-to-me author, and I definitely recommend this to romance readers everywhere!