The Poppy War

by R. F. Kuang

The novel centers on a poor orphan, Rin, who trains in secret to test into the elite Sinegard Academy. When a conflict surfaces between the Nikara Empire and their neighboring nation, the Federation of Mugen, Rin is called to the front lines. She must decide whether to make a deal with the gods to unleash her shamanic powers. Her decision may change the war but result in the loss of her humanity.