Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
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)
The Poppy War Trilogy 3-Book Set by R. F. Kuang (the Poppy War, the Dragon Republic, the Burning God): content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This trilogy contains extremely graphic wartime violence including genocide and atrocities, drug addiction, and psychological trauma. The protagonist commits horrific acts and descends into moral ambiguity while wielding godlike destructive powers.
What to know going in
This book has graphic violence, mild sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include torture, self-harm, genocide, graphic violence, and gore (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens drawn to dark, morally complex military fantasy with an unflinching look at war's brutality and a powerful but deeply flawed female protagonist will find this gripping.