The Poppy War: A Novel

Set against the backdrop of a war-torn fantasy world inspired by Chinese history, the story follows Rin, a dark-skinned war orphan from the poor, rural south of the Nikara Empire. Driven by an insatiable desire to escape her fate and prove herself, Rin aces the entrance exam to the prestigious Sinegard Academy, where the elite learn the art of war and magic. Yet, as she navigates this new, cutthroat environment, she quickly realizes that survival requires more than just ambition; it demands cunning and resilience.

As the specter of conflict looms ever closer, Rin discovers her own latent powers that can tap into the gods' ancient and destructive forces. With her homeland facing peril and political upheaval, she must confront her identity and inner darkness. The journey entwines her destiny with the harsh realities of war and history, propelling her into a harrowing battle where the lines between heroism and monstrosity blur.