The Poppy War

Kami: Beginning (Hello, blah blah)

Siyana: The Poppy War Series was written by Rebecca F.

Kuang, an American fantasy novelist. She was born on May
29, 1996 in Guangzhou, China. Kuang immigrated to the
United States from Guangzhou, China, with her family when
she was four and grew up in Dallas, Texas. She graduated
from Greenhill School in 2013 and attended Georgetown
University, majoring in history. While in college, Kuang, aged
19, began writing Poppy War during a gap year in China. She
studied at University College, Oxford, after that, Kuang
returned to the United States in the fall of 2020 to pursue a
PhD in East Asian Languages and Literatures at Yale
University. Her debut novel The Poppy War, a Chinese military
fantasy, was published by Harper Voyager in 2018 and is the
first book in the Poppy War trilogy. The Poppy War has
received mainly favourable reviews.

Gabi: "The Poppy War" is a sweeping fantasy novel that follows

the transformative journey of Rin, a young and determined
orphan from the Rooster Province in the Nikara Empire.
Faced with the prospect of an arranged marriage that offers
no escape from her harsh circumstances, Rin sets her sights
on a different path – gaining admission to Sinegard, the
empire's prestigious military academy.

Despite being an outsider due to her rural background, Rin's

exceptional work ethic and intelligence propel her to the top
of her class. As she navigates the challenges of academic life,
she becomes aware of the political tensions escalating within
the Nikara Empire and the imminent threat of war with the
Federation of Mugen.

Mira: Rin's destiny takes an unexpected turn when she

discovers her shamanic powers, inherited from the mythical
Phoenix. These powers, fueled by the consumption of
psychoactive substances derived from poppy flowers, open a
doorway to extraordinary abilities. As she grapples with her
newfound talents, Rin realizes the gravity of the responsibility
that comes with wielding such immense power.

The narrative takes a darker turn as the war unfolds,

showcasing the brutal realities of conflict, the intricacies of
political machinations, and the sacrifices demanded by the
pursuit of victory. Kuang weaves a complex tale that draws
inspiration from Chinese history, particularly the Second
Sino-Japanese War and the Rape of Nanking, infusing the
fantasy realm with real-world historical parallels.

Gabi: "The Poppy War" explores themes of identity, the

consequences of revenge, and the ethical dilemmas
surrounding the use of power. Rin's character development is
central to the narrative, as she grapples with moral
complexities, faces personal demons, and becomes
entangled in the unfolding events that shape the fate of the
Nikara Empire.

Mira: The novel's rich world-building, intricate plot and well-

drawn characters have earned it acclaim for its depth and
maturity. "The Poppy War" is the first instalment in a trilogy,
followed by "The Dragon Republic" and "The Burning God,"
collectively forming an epic fantasy saga that continues to
captivate readers with its exploration of magic, politics, and
the human cost of war.

Kamelia:
1. Rin: The protagonist of the story, Rin is a determined
and ambitious orphan from the Rooster Province. She is
resourceful, hardworking, and possesses a keen
intellect. Rin's journey unfolds as she gains admission to
Sinegard, where she discovers her shamanic powers and
becomes a pivotal figure in the war-torn events of the
Nikara Empire.

2. Jiang Ziya (Altan): Altan is one of Rin's classmates at

Sinegard and becomes a significant figure in her life. A
skilled and disciplined warrior, Altan harbours a
 troubled past and a connection to the destructive
powers of the Phoenix.

3. Nezha: Nezha is another student at Sinegard and is

initially a rival to Rin. He comes from a prestigious family
and is known for his arrogance. However, Nezha's
character undergoes significant development as the
story progresses, revealing layers of vulnerability and
internal conflict.

4. Cai Sheng: Master Cai is a respected instructor at

Sinegard, serving as a mentor to Rin. He recognizes Rin's
potential and guides her in the use of shamanic powers.

5. Kitay: Kitay is Rin's loyal and intellectual friend at

Sinegard. Despite the societal prejudices they face, Kitay
supports Rin in her endeavours.

6. Fang Runin's Guardians: Characters such as Chaghan,

Suni, and Venka serve as Rin's companions and fellow
soldiers during the war.

Gabi: Rebecca F. Kuang drew inspiration for "The Poppy War"

trilogy from a combination of historical events, particularly
those in Chinese history, and her academic background in
Chinese studies. The trilogy is known for its nuanced
exploration of war, politics, and the consequences of power,
all set against a backdrop that reflects real-world historical
parallels.

Mira: The first book in the series, "The Poppy War," is heavily
influenced by the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) and
the Rape of Nanking (1937-1938). These were traumatic events
in Chinese history during which Japan invaded China,
leading to widespread atrocities and the brutal occupation
of Nanking. The use of poppy flowers in the story also has
historical connotations, as the poppy is associated with
opium production and trade, particularly in the context of
19th-century China and the Opium Wars.
Siyana: We decided to talk about the book ‘The Poppy War’,
because it provides a richly imagined world filled with magic,
mythical creatures, and political events. It also offers a
gripping and immersive narrative with a well-developed plot,
engaging characters, and unexpected twists