The Poppy War – R.F. Kuang

War stories are always about cost, but few count it this clearly. The Poppy War starts as a tale of survival and ends as a study in consequence. Rin’s rise from poverty to power is both inspiring and alarming — exactly what command looks like when empathy falters.

It’s brutal, brilliant, and unflinching — the kind of fantasy that doesn’t let you look away or feel clean afterward.

Ruthless and riveting — strategy, sacrifice, and the shadow of power.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐