Apr 20, 2024

Magic, High Fantasy, Historical Fiction: the Poppy War Trilogy

 Mailbox

Another book came in the mail, thanks to Wiley Saickek Publicity.

A Fondness for Truth: A Linder and  Donatellli Mystery by Swiss/American author, Kim Hays, April 16, 2024, Seventh Street Books

Genre: thriller, mystery

Description: Andi Eberhart is riding her bicycle homewhen she is killed in a hit-and-run. Her partner Nisha is convinced the death was no accident since Andi had been receiving homophobic hate mail for several years. Nisha, a second-generation immigrant from Sri Lanka, has her own problems; her traditional Tamil father has banished her from the family home and won’t acknowledge Nisha and Andi’s baby daughter.


Homicide Detective Giuliana Linder is assigned to investigate what happened to Andi. This is the third book in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading it.


Currently reading


The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang, May 1, 2018; Harper Voyager

Genre: historical fiction, fantasy, high fantasy, magic 

Description: 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....

An epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic. I had to read this to see why it received all the awards and accolades. Apart from being a Goodreads Choice Award for 2018, the first book received 

Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novel (2018)Locus Award Nominee for First Novel (2019)World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel (2019)Compton Crook Award (2019)British Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Newcomer (Sydney J. Bounds Award) (2019), and several other award nominations

The other books in the trilogy are




The Dragon Republic and 


The Burning God. All three books won the Goodreads Choice and the last two were also nominated for awards.

R. F. Kuang is also the author of Babel, Yellowface 


What are you reading/watching this week? 

Memes: The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated BookreviewerAlso, It's Monday: What Are You Readingand Sunday SalonStacking the ShelvesMailbox Monday

11 comments:

  1. Ever since I read Babel by R. F. Kuang, I have wanted to try The Poppy War. But I am not a person who likes to read a series; I prefer a standalone book.

    I look forward to seeing what you think about The Poppy War.

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    Replies
    1. I think you can probably read The Poppy War without reading the other two books.

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  2. I've had The Poppy War on my TBR for a long time... I really need to get around to reading the series!

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  3. A Fondness for Truth sounds like a good one. Enjoy your week and all of your books.

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  4. I recall seeing The Poppy War everywhere - and I've got Yellowface on my wishlist as one I want to read... Have a great week.

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  5. Just started (yesterday) 'Post Truth - Peak BS and what we can do about it' by Evan Davis. Next up is the classic 'How Children Learn' by John Holt. That's only a really short one, so I'll probably get around to 'Frankenstein in Baghdad' by Ahmed Saadawi before the end of next week.

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  6. Your post has interested me in The Poppy War all over again, as I read the specifics on it, as well as the awards it has received. I love High Fantasy, and I am in the mood for something different after thre emotionally laden International Booker Prize longlist.

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  7. Being Sri Lankan my eye went immediately to your first book. Thanks for the update.

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  8. I've read R.F. Kuang's books Yellowface and Babel. I disliked the first and loved the second. I was amazed, actually by Babel.

    Check out the colors of the tulips I visited this week! My Sunday Salon is so colorful this week

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  9. These all look really good but I'm intrigued by A Fondness for Truth especially. I hope you're having a great week!

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I appreciate your comments and thoughts...

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