War, what is it good for? “The Poppy War” brings to life a war orphan named Fang Runin or Rin for short, who barely makes a life in a deeply divided empire of magic, martial arts and angry gods.

The third volume in Kuang's Poppy War series is out now. She grounded the story in history, both her own and China's; it follows a passionate, ruthless young woman who becomes a military leader.

Debut novelist Kuang creates an ambitious fantasy reimagining of Asian history populated by martial artists, philosopher-generals, and gods. War orphan Fang Runin (“Rin”) escapes abusive ...

After I read R. F. Kuang’s debut novel The Poppy War in 2021, I knew I’d read anything else the author had published — a belief which has proven true, and has never led me astray even four ...

Inspired by the bloody days of 20th century China, R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War trilogy is the tale of Rin, a young peasant girl from a backwater part of the nation, who, through grit and tenacity ...