Publisher: HarperAudio
First Published: May 1, 2018
Main Genre: Historical Fiction
Time Length: 19 hours and 27 minutes
Format: Audio book
Source: Audible
PURCHASE AT:
Amazon / Barnes and Noble \ Thrift Books
Synopsis:
(From Goodreads)
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.
I wanted to listen to another audio book immediately following my wonderful journey with “Remarkably Bright Creatures” and Audible happened to have a 2 for 1 sale. This was in the sale and I wanted something from a genre that I typically do not read, this felt like a good fit since I had legitimately heard of it from when I was back in the book blogging community more fully.
Main Thoughts:
This was a heavier book than I realized it would be. I am usually into much lighter fare than this. I had moments where I was like what am I even doing listening to this? There are some intense battle type scenes that things are explained in manners that I typically would not be okay with, but here I was basically okay with it. This book was not a favorite by any means because it was so jarring, as someone that typically reads more modern works that have a bit more mystery or social commentary to them. This was way out of my comfort zone, but I accomplished it because of the audio book nature of it. This tome would have been over 500+ pages had a I read it and I finished it within the matter of like a week and a few days (due to being hospitalized a few days while listening to this one and not being able to fully listen during that stay). It feels weird to devour massive tomes in a week instead of months because of audio books, I get it now.
FAVORITE ASPECT:
The relationship with her lore master, Jiang. He is a quirky character, but one that as things are slowly revealed that I admire. The relationship she has with him throughout this book were the moments that I felt myself most engaged with the story.
WORST ASPECT:
I understand the historical context of this book, but it was definitely the drug usage of opium that consistently got to me in this book. It even at one point made me stop liking a particular character (see below in WORST CHARACTER). To have it keep coming up made me realize just how prevalent its usage was during this part of the history of the world.
FAVORITE CHARACTER:
Even though I just mentioned the opium usage, I would say Jiang was definitely my favorite character throughout this book. Any time I heard his name as I listened, I was immediately drew into the story deeper than when it was just Rin with other characters. I enjoyed the educator and student aspect of Rin and his relationship for a large chunk of this book, even when they got mad at each other I was here for it. It was such a good dynamic of this story.
WORST CHARACTER:
Don’t hate me for this people, but it was Altan. I tried for so long to like this particular character and what he was in the story, but every time he appeared, especially after one of the reveals in the book, I was just not here for him. I was like UGH and when there was a larger chunk of the story with Atlan and Rin together, I just was sooo bored with it and had to keep stopping and coming back during that day to the audio book because it was sohard to engage when it involved a character I just didn’t have as much investment in. Even when the bigger moment happened with this character, I was like meh. Tells me exactly how I felt.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This was a what the heck did I just listen to type of book. I didn’t exactly hate it, but it was so far removed from my normal books that I don’t know if I am fair judge of it. The fact that I stayed with it and did not DNF it says a lot. While it was a rougher book, I would still recommend this book to people to read. It was engaging in many parts and intense. I never knew what was going to happen, but just challenging for me to get through when all I wanted was some modern conventionality in it. That isn’t what this book is though. It is historical fiction and to me, it does a good job of staying in that lane. I see why this book was so popular when it was released and I think it was definitely worth my 19 hours of listening.
“The Poppy War” is book one in a trilogy of books. The next book is “The Dragon Republic” and I imagine I will eventually listen to it and the other book in this series. What? I would continue with this? Yes, I would. While it was jarring, it was still an enjoyable book that I would like to see what happens further in Rin’s journey, especially with the very interesting ending of book one.
