The Poppy War series by R.F King - Reading from 'The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1)' from September 1st 2019

[✨ A ✨]

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.

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

I might join for this. :)

[Dee Dee]

I'm hoping to start this one tomorrow

[Kelly]

I'm starting today :)

[Jennifer]

Ch 7 - (view spoiler)[ I really hope things get more exciting now that she is going to be an apprentice. (hide spoiler)]
ch 12 - (view spoiler)[ Ok, I'm confused about the role of the Empress - she's collecting these Shamans, but also killing them? Obviously, Alton doesn't know it is her. Could all these gods just be angry that they are forgotten and so are now stirring up this war in an effort to be remembered? (hide spoiler)]

[Dee Dee]

So behind, but I've started!

[Jennifer]

Ch 19 - (view spoiler)[ It annoys me that she thinks she can have all that power without paying a price - of course, it is fueled by hatred you dummy! The Phoenix is the god of flames and VENGENCE! Duh! (hide spoiler)]
Finished - I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. (view spoiler)[ I think it is because I did not find Rin likable or relatable so I rejected her as a worthy heroine. Even from the beginning of the book, she's noticed the disparity between the classes and the racism within her own empire but it doesn't seem to fuel her desire for power, instead, it is the feeling that she deserves it because she is a special snowflake. She doesn't want the power to right the world's wrongs, she wants it so that people will notice her. Also, her feelings toward everything are so fickle. One minute she loves Altan, the next she hates him, the next she is infatuated with him, then despised him again. The same is true for her schoolyard bully - she hated him for years!!! and then all of a sudden he was her best friend and she is willing to kill her commander over him. I just didn't get her. Also....I thought it took forever for this book to get interesting. Move it along already!!

That said, perhaps my expectations for the book were too high and it just couldn't live up to them. IDK, but I didn't like it. (hide spoiler)]

[Dee Dee]

Jennifer wrote: "
Ch 19 - [spoilers removed]
Finished - I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. I think it is because I did not find Rin likable or relatable so I r..."

Oh no, your rating has me worried...

[Jennifer]

Dee Dee wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "
Ch 19 - [spoilers removed]
Finished - I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. I think it is because I did not find Rin likable or ..."

You know...a lot of my friends really enjoyed this book but it just didn't do anything for me.

I could just be in a mood - it happens.

[Dee Dee]

I've never cared less about a main character's story...

[Dee Dee]

Jennifer wrote: "
Ch 7 - [spoilers removed]
ch 12 - [spoilers removed]"

If that's the reason then it would make sense

[Dee Dee]

Ugh. She is so power hungry and greedy.

[Dee Dee]

Finished and I've decided that this isn't a series that I plan on continuing.

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 1-4

(view spoiler)[Well.. What a start. This world is brutal and so are the people!

So Rin just can't catch a break. Her adopted mother is an opium dealer and she resents Rin. She gets into an academy to learn and the people there are even worse. Within minutes, she's made an enemy of one of the popular kids, who is an absolute asshole. Oh and that teacher? Jun is the worst. There was no need for his outburst like that!

Despite everyone being nasty and rude, I'm really enjoying this book so far. I hope Rin can start to have a better time though. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Chapter 5 - (view spoiler)[Well. That's one way to get out of having periods! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting September 1st 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[Ashleigh]

Restarting!

Chapters 1-2 - (view spoiler)[Oh I hate her adopted mother. She's an awful woman. I hope she gets some comeuppance during this series.

Also, the town they've ventured to doesn't seem that great. Imagine pushing yourself to the absolute limits to get into a school and then have the worst imaginable experience travelling there and then the first day, you're humiliated and belittled by other students and end up making an enemy immediately. Poor Rin!

(hide spoiler)]

[Lesa]

Reread for me....
Chapter 1-2
(view spoiler)[ im already enjoying going back into this world. Rin determined to get away from marrying. But to have arrived for school it seems overwhelming. Omg that was sad for that kid to be run down like that. Only to be run down to be killed to second time wow harsh... (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

This has been on my to be read list for so long, I'm excited to finally get to read it! The world building so far is super interesting

[Alex]

Chapter 1-2
(view spoiler)[
This is reminding me of First Test by Tamora Pierce in the best possible ways! I almost cheered out loud when she punched that kid in the eye! (hide spoiler)]

Regarding the foster mom, Ashleigh,
it sounds super harsh but do you think she actually meant well for Rin with this match? She seemed to have a plan that would result in Rin being the one in power in the marriage, as awful as it sounds.

[Alex]

Chapter 8
(view spoiler)[ Ok, so its still VERY familiar to first test- down to a girl too stubborn to give up and insists on learning on her own and a first period story. Its also giving me Holes vibes with the "take the pig up the mountain". I'm still rather enjoying it so far.

After that fight with the bully, we think she is an orphan of the Speer right? And she's a fire shaman?

Also, I'm only half way through Chapter 8 but I'm really enjoying Kitay. (hide spoiler)]

[Lesa]

Chapter 3-4
(view spoiler)[ that dang teacher Jun that was embrassing for Rin wow sad. School hard but this schooling will be over hard. (hide spoiler)]

[Lesa]

Alli Cooper wrote: "Chapter 1-2

This is reminding me of First Test by Tamora Pierce in the best possible ways! I almost cheered out loud when she punched that kid in the eye!

Regarding the foster mom, Ashleigh,
i..."

@Alli
(view spoiler)[ i agree her aunt made it sound so good. A plan that Rin could follow. But seems like her aunt doing that too lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Lesa]

Chapter 5-9

(view spoiler)[ i am loving this reread Jiang hes so funny love him lol. Rin so in a rush to get power she has to understand she must be patient. The school is scared of her now smh lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

Chapters 9-14
(view spoiler)[
So she summoned the Phoenix for the first time! And I guess Jiang is the Gatekeeper? What does it mean he was Sealed? Where did he go to after the attack?

I kind of like her being assigned to Alton's shaman division. The characters are so interesting! I don't think she really is Speer though. Not only because physically she has been described differently but the bloodlust in her isn't as intense as it is in Alton.

This war went from 0-60-0 real fast didn't it?
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15
(view spoiler)[
Alton's attack was pretty ingenious. I really love Ramsa so far. He's precious but deadly.

Her not being able to summon the Phoenix to me, means there are 3 options:
1. She's not really Speer
2. Jiang Sealed her from her powers so she couldn't hurt herself
3. The Weeping Woman is doing something to keep the Phoenix at Bay to protect Run

I don't like how Alton told her to just ignore her everything Jiang taught her and only listen to him.

That terrorism act on the part of the Federation was horrifying but potentially effective. Will this serve as a breaking point or serve as inspiration to fight harder?
(hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

Chapter 20
(view spoiler)[
Who knew that the more I get to know the characters, the more I'd like Nezhran (spelling?) And dislike Alton. Also, if the Empress as the Viper is still around and the Gatekeeper as Jiang looks fairly young, is it at all possible Nezhran is a reincarnated Dragon Warrior? Considering how fast he heals and the healer's comment on him being a shaman
(hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

I'm a little late as I've been away for the first few days of the month and didn't have the book with me, but will be jumping into it today or tomorrow. This is a reread and it quickly became one of my favourite fantasies, when I first read it, so I'm excited to revisit it and continue on with the series :)

[Lesa]

Dannii wrote: "I'm a little late as I've been away for the first few days of the month and didn't have the book with me, but will be jumping into it today or tomorrow. This is a reread and it quickly became one o..."

Welcome hun.... Yeah this a reread for me too. Im loving it as much as I did my first time reading.

[Dannii]

That's so good to hear it is still living up for you, during your second reading :) I'm tempted to drop my current reads and just jump into this one today, now!

[Lesa]

Chapter 10-13
(view spoiler)[ calling the god.... Wow fire.... Shes looked at as everyone scared of het but she get to work with who she admires.... (hide spoiler)]

[Lesa]

Chapter 14-17
(view spoiler)[ im glad i am rereading this because i totally forgotten her and Nezsha made up. But of course Altan doesnt trust Nezsha. (hide spoiler)]

[Lesa]

Chapter 18-23
(view spoiler)[ Jiang warned them not to let the bad out. Of course Altan wong listen he thinks he got everyone best in interest but its all what i think is about his ego.... (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Alli Cooper wrote: "Chapter 1-2

This is reminding me of First Test by Tamora Pierce in the best possible ways! I almost cheered out loud when she punched that kid in the eye!

Regarding the foster mom, Ashleigh,
i..."

No, I think she was just thinking of herself and her opium empire haha.

[✨Skye✨]

Anyone close to getting to The Dragon Republic? :)

[Lesa]

✨Skye✨ wrote: "Anyone close to getting to The Dragon Republic? :)"

Skye have you started The Dragon Republic? I can start it witb you this week. Pick a day....

[✨Skye✨]

I've been doing a very slow read since last month and I'm around 20% in I think, if you want to say today I could really try and tackle it now :)

[Lesa]

✨Skye✨ wrote: "I've been doing a very slow read since last month and I'm around 20% in I think, if you want to say today I could really try and tackle it now :)"

Thats fine I am rereading Godsgrave I want to get more ahead in this then Ill hustle on to reading The Dragon Republic.

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 3-7

(view spoiler)[Jiang is an interesting character. I do feel like he emotionally manipulated Rin into choosing to be a Lore apprentice though..

I'm so pleased that she came top of her year and beat the crap of Nezha. Fuck him, and fuck Jin. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Why do I always put off reading the books I am most excited about?? I was so pumped for this reread and yet am only now starting it. Now I finally have, I'm hoping to fly through both books :)

[Dannii]

First quarter - (view spoiler)[I already knew how much I loved this book but had forgotten how much I adored Rin. Her hard work ethic and her desire to choose her own future are so admirable. I think it's hard for any reader not to immediately want to root for her!

Her hard work doesn't stop once she actually makes it to Sinegrad. She has more to prove than any other, who judge her for the Rooster province she comes from. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Ashleigh wrote: "Restarting!

Chapters 1-2 - Oh I hate her adopted mother. She's an awful woman. I hope she gets some comeuppance during this series.

Also, the town they've ventured to doesn't seem that great. Im..."

I love the beginning of this book for these exact same reasons (view spoiler)[ I think the reader is pushed to immediately empathise with Rin. She is also our eyes into this world but is an outsider herself, which is another early link we form with her. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

@alli

That's an interesting thought about her aunt (view spoiler)[She seems like a typical villain character, at first, but gives Rin what she deems as genuinely good advice, when she instructs her on how to make her rule her forthcoming marriage. She doesn't seem to like Rin much, or to care and love for her, but they are from a severely impoverished area and I can see how this has hardened her heart. against the orphan she was forced to take in. Maybe it is too hard to see Rin long for more when she herself has had so little in life. It obviously wasn't her fault but her aunt also had even less when forced to share her home with Rin (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Second quarter - (view spoiler)[ I flew through this section. Scenes set in magical academies are my favourites and I loved everything about this part. Katay is an absolute angel who needs to be protected at all costs. Jiang is an absolute devil but still needs to be protected. He is so juvenile and yet I can't help but adore him. I love how he has alternate methods of teaching and how he pushes Rin, both physically and mentally. I'm glad she chose Lore! This is a reread so I already knew she was going to emerge as victor of the tournaments but I definitely didn't think this was the case during my first reading. The fight scene unfolds over pages and is so well explained that I could easily visualise it, despite struggling with action scenes like this in some other books.

Rin has begun her second year at the academy and the pace and the expectations placed upon her and the other students is just as high as during the first year. Rin continues to prove herself as a fighter who excels under pressure though.

Throughout all of her time at Sinegard, both Rin and the reader are getting introduced to an increasing amount of political information. The disquiet in the republic is hinted at and it becomes ever more obvious that something is brewing. Kuang does an amazing job of slowly opening up her world, through Rin's teachings, and it is dense yet understandable. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third quarter - (view spoiler)[Rin's training at Sinegard was cut short and all academy members were sent straight to help fight for their country.

The war is brutal but the interactions between the thirteenth division, that she joins, is alleviating the tension, somewhat. I'm a sucker for a ragtag group of outcasts and that is exactly what these are. They are dubbed 'freaks' by the rest of the army but it was these 'freaks' who were the only ones to make any sort of progress in fighting off the soldiers on the shore. Such a shame that Altan's fame was short-lived and he was blamed for the saltpeter bomb making its way to the docks. I think the stats were 600 dead and 1,000 injured and only 50 of these were soldiers. The impoverished civilians are paying such a high price for this war, which is always the case.

I'm loving seeing Rin and Nezah put their differences aside. In the face of war, their school squabbles are shown as petty and they have already demonstrated how great they could be, when teaming up. It sucks that Altan has ordered their distance and that his division have such a hard time accepting him. It is exactly what he did to Rin previously, but it doesn't make it any more acceptable. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Fourth quarter - (view spoiler)[The enemy's real destination has been discovered and the Cike are the ones who are determined to save Golyn Niis. Unfortunately they were too late...

This whole scene is so horrifically sad. It is one thing reading about war battles but quite another to see the senseless slaughter of innocents. The worst part was how they ordered the bodies in a display for those who found them. Sickening! Kuang really went there!

I'm so glad Kitay survived it and as he tells his version of events it becomes even clearer to the reader that Rin's kingdom is segregated. Their armies won't work together and there is a dissonance between each province. This needs to change if they are ever to survive and overcome the horrors inflicted on them.

This is the least of Rin's worries though. She saves the world she knows but only by sacraficing who she is in the process. I love how there are no binaries to any individual action, throughout this book. You can condemn and condone anything and everything, which is just one of the many things I adored about it and what kept me engaged throughout. Can't wait for book two! (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 8-12

(view spoiler)[I kinda had a feeling she would be a Speerly. It seemed obvious to me. She's a war orphan and they keep comparing her to Altan, so obviously she was gonna be one. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Ashleigh wrote: "Chapters 8-12

[spoilers removed]"

It came as a surprise to me but, looking back, it was set up to be quite obvious.

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 13-18

(view spoiler)[Soooo Rin and Nezha are like best friends now, possibly being set up to be more??? What? I'm confused. Why were we led to hate Nezha's guts if they were gonna become so close? But I kinda like the new Nezha. He's a hell of lot nicer to Rin than Altan! And I was sooooo sure that Altan would be the love interest in this book (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

First quarter of The Dragon Republic - (view spoiler)[Baby Nezha! This started off so adorably for all of one page before Mingzha is taken by a serpentine creature hidden inside a watery grotto. Also, this has me hoping he isn't actually dead. If there is hope for him I hope there is hope for Altan, too.

Chapter one begins almost directly as the last book ended, which I appreciated. I love all the characters of the Cike and I'm looking forward to getting to know them more, as well as to see how they interact under Rin's rulership.

Rin is suffering and opium is the only thing which helps her to dull the pain. She is spiralling towards destruction perilously fast and I never thought it would be Nezah's father who retrieved her from the brink! Their plan to deliver her to the Empress is full of holes but is the best one they have. Loving the focus on political scheming, in this book! Also, the dialogue is hilarious and really helps to alleviate how dense the book could easily become. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Finished - (view spoiler)[Urgh, can I just say how horrific the Federation are? The descriptions of how they tortured the Nikara people and the experiments and urgh. I just felt so sick reading those chapters. I wonder if this book was inspired by any real world conflicts. It reminded me a lot of some things I'd read about WWII.

I'm sad that Altan died. I really liked the team up of him and Rin.

I'm actually excited to pick the second book up! (hide spoiler)]