The Poppy War Reading Order
The The Poppy War series by R.F. Kuang is complete. Here are the 3 books we cover, in order.
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Reading order
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1. The Poppy War
Book 1
It starts as a school story about a war orphan who aces the exam into a military academy. Then the war arrives. Based on the Second Sino-Japanese War, including the Nanjing Massacre. Read the warnings, seriously.
- Academies and War Colleges
- Gods and Mythology
- Grimdark
- Revenge
Content warnings
Genocide, War, Sexual assault, Drug or alcohol abuse, Graphic violence, Torture
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2. The Dragon Republic
Book 2
Rin is addicted, guilty and working as a mercenary for a warlord she doesn't fully trust. More politics and naval battles than book one, and Kuang still doesn't let anyone off easy.
- Grimdark
- Morally Gray
- Gods and Mythology
Content warnings
War, Genocide, Drug or alcohol abuse, Graphic violence, Physical or emotional abuse
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3. The Burning God
Book 3
Rin goes home to the south and starts winning, which is somehow worse. Bleak from start to finish and the ending is one people argue about.
- Grimdark
- Morally Gray
- Gods and Mythology
Content warnings
Genocide, War, Graphic violence, Gore, Drug or alcohol abuse, Death of a loved one


