The Poppy War

When Rin aced the Keju—the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth—everyone was shocked. A war orphan from the Rooster Province, Rin was admitted to Sinegard, the elite military academy of Nikan. But life at Sinegard isn't easy for a dark-skinned peasant girl, as she faces prejudice and hardship from her wealthy classmates.

While pushing herself to her limits, Rin discovers that she possesses a deadly, long-forgotten power: the ancient art of shamanism. As a devastating war with the Mugen Federation approaches, Rin’s shamanic abilities may be the only thing that can save her people. But making a deal with the vengeful Fire God demands a heavy cost—one that might consume her humanity and burn the world to ashes.

A masterclass in dark epic fantasy. It brilliantly combines military strategy, mythology, and brutal 20th-century history. It doesn't shy away from the real, devastating consequences of war, presenting an unforgettable protagonist whose journey from underdog to antihero will leave you spellbound.

Perfect for fans of gritty dark fantasy, military fantasy, Asian folklore, complex magic systems, and stories featuring morally ambiguous protagonists like in The Name of the Wind or The Poppy War series.