[How it Works](https://boundless.binderybooks.com/how-it-works/) [Bookshop](https://boundless.binderybooks.com/books/bindery/) [Publishing](https://boundless.binderybooks.com/publishing/) [Team](https://boundless.binderybooks.com/team/) [Contact](https://boundless.binderybooks.com/contact/) Log in or Sign up The Poppy War: A Novel (The Poppy War, 1) R. F Kuang Save to Your Books [Bookshop](https://bookshop.org/a/10458/9780062662583) [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062662589?tag=thisstoryai04-20) 100% of affiliate revenue supports Boundless Press > “I have no doubt this will end up being the best fantasy debut of the year \[...\] I have absolutely no doubt that \[Kuang’s\] name will be up there with the likes of Robin Hobb and N.K. Jemisin.” — Booknest A Library Journal, Paste Magazine, Vulture, BookBub, and ENTROPY Best Books pick! Washington Post "5 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Novel" pick! A Bustle "30 Best Fiction Books" pick! A brilliantly imaginative talent makes her exciting debut with this epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic, in the tradition of Ken Liu’s _Grace of Kings_ and N.K. Jemisin’s _Inheritance Trilogy_. **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. Show more Get the Bindery app * * * Posts about this title from Boundless Press [Boundless Press\\ \\ Jananie\\ \\ • Mar 9 2023](https://boundless.binderybooks.com/) [tier ranking your fave book tropes & recommending books based on them](https://boundless.binderybooks.com/item/doS7p8OvrtuYEJZEwgj2/) Check out G2A's deals here from March 1-20th, 2023: https://www.g2a.com/best-deals/girl\_power?banner=main 💓 join as a channel member to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJn0v3OAEAX3-V4crjcHtRA/join socials 🤍 instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisstoryaintover/ 🤍 twitter: https://twitter.com/jananiekvelu 🤍 tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisstoryaintover?lang=en 🤍 storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thisstoryaintover 🤍 goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thisstoryaintover 💌 for business/sponsorship inquiries please contact eric@smallscreenmarketing.com 💌 for all other inquiries please contact me at thisstoryaintover@gmail.com faqs 🤍 how do you pronounce your name? \- my name is Jananie—pronounced JEN-nah-nee (like a knee!) 🤍 what's your background/ethnicity/etc? \- both my parents are Sri Lankan Tamil, and I was born and raised in Canada! 🤍 what is your job? \- aside from youtube I also work in product marketing! * * * 48 books Posts about this book from across Bindery [Last Book Club on the Left\\ \\ Last Podcast Network\\ \\ • Jul 28](https://lastpod.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ The votes are in, Fiction it is! This series was picked by our beloved Marcus\\ \\ > While Babel usually gets a lot of the attention when people talk about Kuang, the Poppy War Trilogy is an incredible series too. Instead of a fantasy world based on a European medieval setting, the Poppy War has a decidedly Eastern perspective. These differences create fascinating characters and situations that make the fantasy genre feel new again. Kuang has also created a difficult and sometimes unlikable main character whom you truly root for and care about, which is a near impossible task. I devoured this series.\\ \\ What should our next recommendation be?](https://lastpod.binderybooks.com/item/XocchjU9mZramao8gjsn/) [LPN Picks: The Poppy Wars](https://lastpod.binderybooks.com/item/XocchjU9mZramao8gjsn/) * * * 3 books 18 [3](https://lastpod.binderybooks.com/item/XocchjU9mZramao8gjsn/#comments) [DocoftheDarkArts\\ \\ Bob Stuntz\\ \\ • Jun 23](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Book Review Tuesday: The Dragon Republic by RF Kuang](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/BM2432NfBSwTBf1i4ihp/) Have you read the Dragon Republic and if so, what did you think? While this is not going to ultimately be a top tier series for me, I am really glad that I decided to push myself a bit and read the Dragon Republic. Kuang’s growth as a writer is evident, and we finally get some of that character work I was missing in book one. Is Rin still immensely frustrating? Yes, but I think that’s the point, and the character work we get makes her so much more interesting in this one. #thedragonrepublic #thepoppywar #fantasybookreview * * * 2 books 4 [DocoftheDarkArts\\ \\ Bob Stuntz\\ \\ • Jun 7](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Poll:\\ \\ Should I give Dungeon Crawler Carl another try and read book 2?\\ \\ **The Sunday Prescription** \\ \\ _One reading topic, one week of plans, and plenty of books administered weekly for chronic readers._\\ \\ \\ \\ Happy Sunday everyone, and welcome to the first installment of The Sunday Prescription, where each week I plan on discussing a bookish topic, my reading plans for the week, and call out some books you all should be checking out! And as always, none of my stuff is written with any kind of generative AI - it's just me rambling!\\ \\ **My Symptoms: DNFing** \\ \\ I've talked a bunch before both here and other platforms about DNFing books, and my general thoughts around that. And, truth be told, I think I have a pretty solid feel for how I handle individual books. But I've had a few experiences this week that have really got me thinking about my approach to a series and whether I DNF that or not. \\ \\ First, I saw some really interesting reels from C.J.Dennyreads and Sarahdoesbookishstuff\\ \\ where they discussed the price of admission for reading a series, or the idea that for some series, you need to make it through a book or two before the series "gets good." This is pretty common (Suneater, Dungeon Crawler Carl, Throne of Glass all come to mind). Now generally speaking, I usually give a series one book. One. That's it. My thought is that, if I get to the end of book one, and I absolutely hate the characters, the story, and am severely bored or angry, I should just DNF the series. Stop. Do not pass go. Do not collect any money because I don't get paid to read things I hate. And as I thought about my favorite series, I realized I loved all the book 1's. \\ \\ Now of course, if I can find some redeeming qualities, or see some light at the end of the tunnel, I'll keep going. However, Both Sarah and CJ made some great points and really got me thinking about this. Then I started listening to The Dragon Republlic, book 2 in The Poppy War Trilogy, and that got me thinking even more. Mild spoilers ahead for The Poppy War in the next paragraph. \\ \\ I've posted my review of The Poppy War on socials before, and I really struggled with Rin. I think throughout the book, she wreaked havoc on everyone around her, made frustrating decisions (even for someone her age), and showed a tendency to be a sociopath (remember in tactics when she suggested to ruin the ecology of an area of the country for decades and lose tons of civilians in the process just to win one battle? THAT'S A SOCIOPATH!). And by the end, I was like wow, this book is really just about a sociopath who gets too much power and how bad war is - I know how that works as an avid reader of history. \\ \\ Over the last few months I have been strongly considering DNFing the whole series, because I just thought this was a one note, one theme series, and I didn't find any of the characters interesting or compelling. Just kind of different shades of miserable. However, CJ and Sarah got me thinking about if I'm being too harsh. So I got my Libro audiobook credits, and promptly picked up the Dragon Republic. And wishing the first few chapters, this book is already showing more humanity and nuance for our characters than the entire first book, and has even made Rin redeemable for me. I was floored by how good the first six or so chapters have been. And it's made me think: should I revisit a few series I put down after book one, or start a series I have said I never would?\\ \\ Now this is not to say I expect every single reading experience going forward to be game changing, and I will still probably DNF some series and avoid others. But it got me thinking about how I might tweak this approach this year. It's even got me thinking about whether or not I should read book 2 of Dungeon Crawler Carl. Let me know what you think in the poll below!\\ \\ **The Rx: What I'm Reading and Doing** \\ \\ Now as you all know, I am a feral mood reader, so my plans always reserve the right to change. However, this is what I'm reading this week:\\ \\ - _Our Sister's Keeper_ by Jasmine Holmes - this is a Bindery book, and I got an ARC on NetGalley. I'm going to finish the sone up as soon as I hit send on this newsletter. I have LOVED this so far. It is a souther gothic horror that focuses on a black town in Mississippi in the 1920's where the women are forced to bear the men's burdens through a mystical act, leaving the town eerily patriarchal and off. \\ \\ - _You Weren't Meant to be Human_ by Andrew Joseph White - Buddy reading this with a few of you all (Aiko in particular!), and have loved it so far. Body horror about a trans man in a dystopian world where cults, body horror, and the horror of existence for marginalized communities are explored. \\ \\ - _The Dragon Republic_ by RF Kuang - Will it turn out I love The Poppy War Trilogy?\\ \\ - _Songs of the Dead_ by Brandon Sanderson and Peter Ourllian - I was offered this as an ARC last week, and thought it would be cool to check out!\\ \\ \\ I am also excited because I'm approaching 25k on Instagram, 10k on TikTok, 1500 on YouTube, and 250+ here on bindery. The support everyone has shown me in the last year has been tremendous, and I'm working on a cool giveaway to celebrate all of these milestones. So stay Tuned!\\ \\ **Like More In-Depth Access?** \\ \\ If you enjoy getting into the details with me about reading, then consider upgrading to The Dark Travelers tier. My Dark Travelers get an exclusive Discord role and channels, a weekly deep dive reading update video, early access to YouTube videos, and each month they get to pick a book for me to read. This can be a book they want to read with me, or something they want me to try for them. I'm running over to my bookstore today to grab this month's pick, _Stoner_ by John Williams, and we're doing _Headlights_ by CJ Leede in July! It's super fun and a great tight knit group that I really enjoy talking books with, and I'd love to have you part of it!\\ \\ Thank you as always for being here, and I hope you all have a great week of reading!\\ \\ Join for free or login](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/wING2g2ZsTQqWB2Uh8AH/) [The Sunday Prescription: June 7, 2026](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/wING2g2ZsTQqWB2Uh8AH/) One reading topic, one week of plans, and plenty of books administered weekly for chronic readers. * * * 7 books 5 [6](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/wING2g2ZsTQqWB2Uh8AH/#comments) [Betty's Bookish Thoughts\\ \\ Betty\\ \\ • May 10](https://bettybookish.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Welcome to Betty Bookish Thoughts!](https://bettybookish.binderybooks.com/item/duZUMHWWn1qmnS9UIUL1/) Consider this a mini introduction to my bookish taste and loves! If I can’t choose just one genre to love, why not all?! 🥰 There are too many books and authors I admire whose characters and words speak to me and make their worlds feel real. Let me know which books resonate with you, and I’d love to hear your own bookish responses as well (in particular, I want to know which books made you ugly cry 🤭)! * * * 42 books [Alysha Fortune Reads\\ \\ Alysha\\ \\ • Jan 14](https://alyshafortunereads.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Women Fantasy Authors that arent romantasy](https://alyshafortunereads.binderybooks.com/item/1fiXh2irOJwX0ULvcZ7Y/) Here is my completed list of fantasy and scifi books written by women that aren’t Romantasy! #books #booktok #bookstagram #booksta #bookworm #fantasybooks #fantasy #scifi #Romantasy #womenauthors * * * 30 books 3 [DocoftheDarkArts\\ \\ Bob Stuntz\\ \\ • Jan 12](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [December 2025 Reading Wrap Up](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/EXsWSWrTAj895vVsaUWQ/) * * * 13 books 3 [DocoftheDarkArts\\ \\ Bob Stuntz\\ \\ • Dec 24 2025](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/L7ZHuaInSkSp4uqXQhK2/) [Weekly Reading Update: 12/15 - 12/22](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/L7ZHuaInSkSp4uqXQhK2/) * * * 4 books 5 [DocoftheDarkArts\\ \\ Bob Stuntz\\ \\ • Dec 17 2025](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/0krz3ittx8iVvCvGs20D/) [Weekly Reading Update: 12/8 - 12/15](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/0krz3ittx8iVvCvGs20D/) * * * 5 books 4 [Ezeekat Press\\ \\ Jaysen\\ \\ • Oct 7 2025](https://ezeekat.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://ezeekat.binderybooks.com/item/swTjYLFE8iqQeFqBGAFN/) [AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Grimdark? Noblebright?, aka Let Me Cook by U.M. Agoawike](https://ezeekat.binderybooks.com/item/swTjYLFE8iqQeFqBGAFN/) * * * 9 books 10 [8](https://ezeekat.binderybooks.com/item/swTjYLFE8iqQeFqBGAFN/#comments) [chronicallybookish\\ \\ Kaley\\ \\ • Sep 15 2025](https://chronicallybookish.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [rf kuang scares me and i don't know where to start with her books](https://chronicallybookish.binderybooks.com/item/UsTLHxDRoKxiEIBdhipL/) RF Kuang scares me idk if I’m smart enough for this but I WANT TO BE #booktok #kfkuang #katabasis #fantasybooks #darkacademia * * * 5 books [The Coterie\\ \\ Mikah Mia Reads\\ \\ • Jul 28 2025](https://thecoterie.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [more mood reading recs!!](https://thecoterie.binderybooks.com/item/ieH1BPtW2tKP0jJEESR0/) another round of my tried and true favs!! if anyone has any other recs for books that hit as hard as fanfic lmk bc those are so hard to find * * * 17 books [The Inkborne Society\\ \\ Azhangia\\ \\ • May 7 2025](https://azhangia.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Welcome to the Inkborne Society ✨- I'm so glad you're here! To kick things off, I’ve put together a few Q&As to share a bit more about me, what this space is for, and what you can expect around here. Can't wait to build this community together!\\ \\ Why are you excited to join Bindery?\\ \\ The best stories are the ones we experience together, and I’m thrilled to join Bindery to connect and build community in a new way, share a broader range of content, and uplift diverse voices across all genres, especially fantasy, sci-fi, and dark academia.\\ \\ What can members expect?\\ \\ Expect a space to connect, share, and celebrate the books we love, access to a community Discord, buddy reads, and exclusive Bindery content including editing tutorials, long-form reviews, monthly lists of new SFF releases, book recommendation articles, thoughts on book-to-screen adaptations, and more!\\ \\ What are some of your favorite books and series?\\ \\ - Piranesi (Susanna Clarke)\\ \\ - Blood Over Bright Haven (M.L. Wang)\\ \\ - The Broken Earth Trilogy (N.K. Jemisin)\\ \\ - The Poppy War Trilogy (R.F. Kuang)\\ \\ - Circe (Madeline Miller)\\ \\ - The Sword of Kaigen (M.L. Wang)\\ \\ - The Paper Menagerie (Ken Liu)\\ \\ - Best Served Cold (Joe Abercrombie)\\ \\ - This is How You Lose the Time War (Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone)\\ \\ - A Song of Ice and Fire (George R.R. Martin)\\ \\ - The Spear Cuts Through Water (Simon Jimenez)\\ \\ - The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)\\ \\ \\ What’s in the Discord, and how do I access it?\\ \\ The Inkborne Society Discord is linked at the top of my site and features channels to discuss books, film/tv, content creator tips and tricks (including ARC requests and influencer programs), and much more! To make sure your Bindery subscriber tier transfers over to Discord, please integrate your account.\\ \\ Update: As of September 2025, our newly launched community book club will also be holding discussions on Discord!\\ \\ What is Bindery?\\ \\ Bindery is a community-powered book publisher - think of it as part publishing house, part Substack, part Patreon, and part content hub all rolled into one. It gives creators a place to bring everything together: they can link content from across social platforms, share exclusive Bindery content (like articles, rec lists, videos, and polls), and connect with their audience more directly. There are also perks like Discord communities, book clubs, and whatever else creators dream up!\\ \\ One of the coolest parts of The Bindery is that Tastemakers (that’s what content creators are called on the platform) who grow strong, engaged communities have the chance to launch their very own imprint, and the community gets to be part of the entire journey - from acquisition all the way to publication!\\ \\ A Little More About Me\\ \\ Hi! My name is Amanda - I’m in my mid-twenties and based in New York City. I started creating book content about two years ago using the moniker "azhangia" and it’s been such a joy to connect with others who love stories as much as I do.\\ \\ Fantasy, mythology, sci-fi, dark academia, and literary fiction are some of my favorite genres, and I often find myself gravitating towards sad books (the more devastating, the better). When I am not reading, I can be found listening to film scores, attending dance classes, or lurking around in dessert spots around the city!\\ \\ Thank you so much for being here, and once again, welcome to The Inkborne Society.](https://azhangia.binderybooks.com/item/9FIRo8zNLlDddLHPu3jy/) [Welcome to The Inkborne Society ✨](https://azhangia.binderybooks.com/item/9FIRo8zNLlDddLHPu3jy/) * * * 12 books 8 [4](https://azhangia.binderybooks.com/item/9FIRo8zNLlDddLHPu3jy/#comments) [Bookwyrm Ink\\ \\ Bookwyrm Ink\\ \\ • Apr 23 2025](https://azthiabookwyrm.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://azthiabookwyrm.binderybooks.com/item/8yNx7AT6NeDwCQ9y7ykl/) [New to Fantasy? Here's a good place to start!](https://azthiabookwyrm.binderybooks.com/item/8yNx7AT6NeDwCQ9y7ykl/) Any books you would add to the list? 🤔📚 * * * 9 books 3 [Kirstyn's Bookshelf\\ \\ Kirstyn\\ \\ • Apr 22 2025](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [I would do ANYTHING to read these books for the first time again 🔥💗](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/item/qwPdRMRlZ8HXUoKhGrEU/) We're back with part 2 of books I would commit crimes to read for the first time all over again! What books make it to this level of amazing for you? Shop books mentioned & checkout my exclusive community: https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/ Thank you for being here ☺️ 💌CONTACT ME: hello@lareesocial.com MY AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://amzn.to/40DKoWe 💗 FOLLOW ME 💗 INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/3zodqNo GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/40DKgWK * * * 11 books 2 [Left Unread Books\\ \\ Michael LaBorn\\ \\ • Apr 7 2025](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Left Unread Bookclub 2025](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/VOMdCxmGLg7d8Ru2aQFt/) Here is the list of books we will be reading in bookclub for the rest of the year. * * * 9 books 15 [3](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/VOMdCxmGLg7d8Ru2aQFt/#comments) [Kirstyn's Bookshelf\\ \\ Kirstyn\\ \\ • Apr 4 2025](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [So many 5-star books for march!](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/item/S9slsZQI36qO45NgtF6n/) March was SUCH a great reading month for me! What was your fav book you read this month? Shop books mentioned: https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/ Thank you for being here ☺️ 💌CONTACT ME: hello@lareesocial.com MY AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://amzn.to/40DKoWe 💗JOIN MY COMMUNITY💗 INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/3zodqNo GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/40DKgWK * * * 5 books 1 [Kirstyn's Bookshelf\\ \\ Kirstyn\\ \\ • Apr 3 2025](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [I read The Poppy War on vacation—send help 🌴🥺](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/item/kCp86bQcFzuR8s30DqU2/) I had so much fun reading The Poppy War, but I keep putting off starting the next book. I need some encouragement! I want to hear your thoughts about the series and which book is your fav! Thank you for being here:) CONTACT ME: hello@lareesocial.com MY AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://amzn.to/40DKoWe JOIN MY COMMUNITY INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/3zodqNo GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/40DKgWK Music: Let's Celebrate Musician: Music\_Unlimited Site: https://pixabay.com/music/letx27s-celebrate-lo-fi-hip-hop-music-121573/ Music: Mornings Musician: Jeff Kaale * * * 1 book 1 [Kirstyn's Bookshelf\\ \\ Kirstyn\\ \\ • Mar 31 2025](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [most recent 5 star reads](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/item/21mD0i3LKoh5Ey9wBOBY/) Have you read The Poppy War trilogy? If so, which book is your fav? #bookrecommendations #thepoppywar #literaryfiction #books #fantasybook * * * 3 books 1 [Kirstyn's Bookshelf\\ \\ Kirstyn\\ \\ • Mar 31 2025](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Highly Anticipated March TBR](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/item/UaSlSOgknmDirYtJSV1Y/) What’s on your March TBR? 👇🏼 Books mentioned: Acts of Desperation by Megan Nolan I Who Have Never Known Men by Jaqueline Harpmen The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang The Bee Sting by Paul Murray #bookrecommendations #books #booksbooksbooks * * * 4 books 1 [Kirstyn's Bookshelf\\ \\ Kirstyn\\ \\ • Mar 31 2025](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [25 Amazing Books I Want to Read in 2025](https://kirstynsbookshelf.binderybooks.com/item/SdLgrPOa3sduNfwp0HhZ/) My 2025 TBR goes hard. I seriously could not be more excited to read these books. What are you reading this year? Thank you for being here:) CONTACT ME: hello@lareesocial.com MY AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://amzn.to/40DKoWe JOIN MY COMMUNITY INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/3zodqNo GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/40DKgWK Music: Mornings Musician: Jeff Kaale * * * 23 books 1 [Peppered Ink\\ \\ Mary\\ \\ • Feb 23 2025](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Loves, my reading this week was all over the place... \\ \\ I made a dent in _The Poppy War_ and another in _House of Frank_. I enjoy both — though for entirely different reasons, as you might imagine. \\ \\ Additionally, I finished _Halfling_ by S.E. Wendel, which had its charming moments along with its steamy ones and is a significant improvement from my previous venture into orc-ish romantasy ( _Bound to the Orc Ranger_ by Krista Luna was simply not to my taste at all). \\ \\ Did I also get just a little sidetracked by _Forged in Blood_ (and subsequently _Promised in Blood_) by Sadie Kincaid? Yes, I did. I'm very unsure why I bothered with either because even if it was intended to scratch a reverse-harem-vampire-academia sort of an itch, I can't say it necessarily... did. Blame my sick need for resolution and a meager wish that a series has the potential to improve. \\ \\ On that note, remember my mention a few days ago that I rarely offer one-star ratings but that _Cloak of the Vampire_ was among them? Well, folks. It has a second book, _Blood of the Gods_ by Sapir A. Englard. I sampled it and DNF-ed at 10%, which should tell you all you need to know. \\ \\ Now, on to happier topics! \\ \\ Grappling with dissertation proposal research led me right into the arms of _Masquerade_ by O.O. Sangoyomi, _Destroyer of Light_ by Jennifer Marie Brissett, and _Girl, Goddess, Queen_ by Bea Fitzgerald, all of which I plan to sink my teeth into within the next few weeks. Any guesses as to what my research might entail...? \\ \\ I also think we're honing in on the perfect time for a _Legendborn_ and _Bloodmarked_ reread in advance of Tracy Deonn's _Oathbound_ release on March 4th. \\ \\ Anyone else have an ambitious TBR to wrap up February?](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/item/DNrKiHO2egKDRM3afb3p/) [Weekly Reading Wrap-Up](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/item/DNrKiHO2egKDRM3afb3p/) * * * 11 books 3 [JemilaBeReadin\\ \\ JemilaBeReadin\\ \\ • Feb 20 2025](https://jemilabereadin.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Books I’ve discovered through booktok](https://jemilabereadin.binderybooks.com/item/oLTLdylkYiA3ze4yQTrR/) Books I’ve discovered through booktok. It’s been real y’all. I hope to continue talking about books with y’all elsewhere on the internet! 🫶🏾 People mentioned in this video: @dakota bossard @Amivi⁷ @Alex @IG/YT: bookbaddiebri ᥫ᭡ @sometimesrobinreads🤎📚 @Torri🌻 @Kennedy Ryan @Nisha Sharma @schizophrenicreads on Substack @aubrei @Mari - booktok + media reviews @ig: vivafalastinleen 🇵🇸 @Hana 🍉 @Viano Oniomoh 💖 #readersoftiktok #bookishthings #bookishtiktok #booktok #bookrecommendations #romancebooktok #nonfictionbooktok #literarytok #blackromance #bookishtok #readersofbooktok * * * 22 books 3 [Peppered Ink\\ \\ Mary\\ \\ • Feb 10 2025](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Did I get mildly distracted last night when I should have been writing this...? It's possible. \\ \\ I don't care even a little about football (I kind of hate it, in fact), but you can't take the Philly out of the girl. Go Birds. \\ \\ Yesterday's distraction was more of the "let me unpack the treasure trove of symbolism and brilliant messaging in this half-time show" variety, and then it was of the "Broad Street knows how to take a 'please don't climb the lamp posts' warning to heart" variety. Before all that, I swear I did get plenty of reading done. Not unlike one of my favorite Eagles. Okay, I'll stop... \\ \\ \\ \\ Another few chapters of _The Poppy War_ audiobook (I did warn you I consume audiobooks very slowly), and it's still excellent. I know there is far more that will undo me soon to come... \\ \\ I started _House of Frank_ — thank you dearly for the votes — and wouldn't you know, it's every bit as cozy and charming and lovely and heartaching as I was told it would be. A quick read, I'm nearly halfway through it now and plan to finish it sometime today or tomorrow. \\ \\ This week's dissertation prep involved less assigned reading and more of my own tentative research into my topic, and no, I'm not telling until I draft the proposal, so shush. I will say, though, that Virgil plays a role as does Ovid, so should you have any interest in Ancient Roman epic poetry, I offer up _The Aeneid_ and _Metamorphoses_ for your consideration. \\ \\ Finally, I will admit to a couple of \* _ahem_\\* guilty pleasures via Kindle freebies. Was _Prince of Lust_ as... erudite as my other picks for this week? Um, no. Neither was _Mafia and Maid_, yet here we are. \\ \\ Coming up this week, I'm looking forward to reading _All About Love_ one more time before (finally) returning it to my sister-in-law (thanks, Alex).](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/item/otl9VitqbdQnsXwkV5Z2/) [(Belated) Weekly Reading Update](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/item/otl9VitqbdQnsXwkV5Z2/) * * * 7 books 3 [Peppered Ink\\ \\ Mary\\ \\ • Jan 26 2025](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [The extremely short and quick read of the week was _Once More Upon a Time_ by Roshani Chokshi, which takes a handful of hallmarks of classic fairytales (think _Twelve Dancing Princesses_ meets _The Three Princes_) and mashes them together in a tale of love, first cursed then renewed. \\ \\ I'll go ahead and say that it's not my favorite of hers. I don't think I can do sitcom-level humor in a fantasy. (Am I broken? Is there something wrong with me??) I had a similar issue with _Assistant to the Villain_. I love to laugh as much as anyone, but there are too many times it feels overdone—the horse cloak in _Once More Upon a Time_ was entirely unnecessary.\\ \\ Again, a very fast read, but not my cup of twisted tea.\\ \\ \\ \\ My audiobook of late is R.F. Kuang's _The Poppy War_, which (I must admit) I think I might already like better than _Babel_?? I have the entire series on audiobook, but I tend to consume them somewhat slowly (I'm a 1.2x speed kinda gal), so it may be some time before I can offer a meaningful update there. Bear with me.\\ \\ Probably two or more years ago, my beloved sister-in-law gifted me a copy of Chloe Liese's _Only When It's Us_, and as delighted as I was that she was getting into romance, I didn't get around to reading it. Two good friends of mine knew about this utter failure on my part, and one texted the following last week...\\ \\ "This is your quarterly reminder to finally read _Only When It's Us_."\\ \\ Point taken. I started it last night, and I can feel the tears already forming. Stay tuned.\\ \\ I also completely broke my "Dry January" rule. For those of you who didn't happen to see that TikTok, I told myself I wouldn't buy any books during the month of January. I'll fall on my sword in video form soon, but I went ahead and picked up _What the River Knows_ and _Where the Library Hides_ by Isabel Ibañez. (I'm getting the sense that the first is a little better than the second, but I'll be reading them both soon enough to determine that for myself.)\\ \\ Oh, did you think "Dry January" meant no drinking? Bless your heart. New "Liquor in the Library" coming tomorrow...\\ \\ And no, I have not read _Onyx Storm_ yet and have been dodging spoilers on TikTok with agility that would make the dragons proud. I did reread _Fourth Wing_ and _Iron Flame_ seeking out textual evidence of a couple of theories, but those rereads highlighted a handful of inconsistencies that make me want to shake my fist at Red Tower. (PLEASE stop rushing to print! Calm down with the blatant cash grabs, I beg you!)\\ \\ On to what I plan to read this coming week, I'll be finishing up _Only When It's Us_, and I imagine I'll have some research reading to do for preparing my thesis proposal (it COUNTS, okay??). I do want to get to _Onyx Storm_, but also on my list is _The Guncle_ by Steven Rowley, which I've heard is charming.\\ \\ Comment below with what you've been reading lately!](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/item/2g23UYwImGMKu1k7zWaV/) [Weekly Reading Wrap-Up](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/item/2g23UYwImGMKu1k7zWaV/) * * * 7 books 4 [2](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/item/2g23UYwImGMKu1k7zWaV/#comments) [Skies Press\\ \\ Emma\\ \\ • Dec 18 2024](https://skiesreads.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Books that do what Fourth Wing thought it was doing, but don’t suck](https://skiesreads.binderybooks.com/item/MNMxT9WiKBY2l3SY3rJS/) Books that do what Fourth Wing thought it was doing but don’t suck 😃 This is an older video I’m reposting bc it randomly started gaining traction again the last few days. Can you tell I’ve gotten a lot more…shall we say \*deliberate\* in how i feel about Fourth Wing? 😂 A lot of the original marketing of FW from what i remember (and why i bought it) was as a dragon riding military college brutal story, NOT as a from blood and ash style romance book, which is why i originally made this video of hey here are better examples of what this book was apparently trying to do and did very very poorly. I recorded this while i was in an airport waiting for my flight like 12 hours after i’d finished FW shortly after it released and was like lowkey trying yo gaslight myself that it wasn’t as awful as it actually was 💀 #booktok #fourthwing #rebeccayarros #dragonbooks #fantasybooks #adeadlyeducation #naominovik #eragon #christopherpaolini #hismajestysdragon #thepoppywar #rfkuang #booktoker #bookrecs #emmaskiesreads * * * 4 books [Left Unread Books\\ \\ Michael LaBorn\\ \\ • Nov 30 2024](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [The Secret Power of Literature... and spoiler alert, it's not escapism.](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/IeclSp13Rzw32YDolGOB/) Escapism is lovely, but that is not what reading does for me. So I thought I would share a little bit about one of the biggest things I get out of reading. \*\*\*Trigger warnings: grief, slavery, trauma, parentlessness, broken family, racism\*\*\* * * * 20 books 8 [1](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/IeclSp13Rzw32YDolGOB/#comments) [Trash Panda’s Universe\\ \\ Trash Panda Leon\\ \\ • Nov 20 2024](https://trashpandas.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [The Poppy War Book Review](https://trashpandas.binderybooks.com/item/TVjjoM43DDMk6lrfPhuP/) #thepoppywar * * * 1 book [The Black Bird Commons\\ \\ Tim\\ \\ • Sep 3 2024](https://blackbirdcommons.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Accidental Bookfluencer](https://blackbirdcommons.binderybooks.com/item/SO3LrlmfwnzXdArBz3pN/) Welcome! * * * 23 books 3 [2](https://blackbirdcommons.binderybooks.com/item/SO3LrlmfwnzXdArBz3pN/#comments) [Left Unread Books\\ \\ Michael LaBorn\\ \\ • Aug 19 2024](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [I shared a post a few days ago, updating all of you on a manuscript I am really excited about. That being the anti-colonial story about a nameless/identityless warrior who is fighting to protect a young girl from falling into the clutches of empire just as she has. For more detailed information on that story, check out that post HERE\\ \\ As I shared in that post, I am really excited about this story. And the only real hesitation I had was that it is a part of a duology. Specifically because I am hesitant to take on a project without a clear vision of where the story is going.\\ \\ To help with that problem, I asked our Acquisitions Director to reach out to the author for a synopsis of book two, so that I can make sure I am on board for the conclusion of the story.\\ \\ And...well... _**I very much am!**_\\ \\ I heard back from the author earlier today and have had most of today to sit with the details of book two (which she was gracious enough to share in a very detailed letter) and I am even more obsessed with this story than I was before.\\ \\ I mentioned in my previous post that there were elements in this story that reminded me a lot of the Poppy War series by R.F. Kuang, and that came through even stronger in the synopsis of book two. The conclusion of the story reminds me a lot of the heaviness of The Poppy War series and I could not be more excited about the potential of being a part of a story like this.\\ \\ With all of that said, I really think this is the one! This story checks all of my boxes and fits very firmly in the type of stories that thrive on my platform. I think I could very successfully champion this author.\\ \\ I think it's it, y'all! I really do! And I could not be more excited. ( _But keep in mind that nothing is for sure, as I have not had a conversation with the author about the potential of working together yet.)_\\ \\ And that's not all I have been up to. I also reached out to one of the authors from my short list and initiated a conversation about their manuscript and we are having what I think could be a very productive conversation about potentially working together in the future. Obviously, there are no guarantees, but I loved their writing and would be interested in a different story from them, or even a different version of this same manuscript. We'll see where the conversation goes. I'll share more about that later, assuming there is news to share! For now...just know it's something I'm working on.\\ \\ I am also still in conversation with the author of Snow White Burns the Patriarchy. She is hard at work on that manuscript and, at this time, has every intention of working together to get the manuscript where she envisions it being!!! I won't offer any guarantees regarding future publication, because the author has every freedom to choose not to work with us if she doesn't want to later, but for now, my hope is very much that this book will have our stamp on it sooner rather than later!\\ \\ So a lot in the works!!\\ \\ AHHH!!!!!\\ \\ ​\\ \\ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/kw19ITB1zhHL4tXTWKuQ/) [Publishing Update](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/kw19ITB1zhHL4tXTWKuQ/) I shared about a manuscript that I am really excited about a few days ago. Here is the latest update! And make sure you give it a read... it's an exciting one. * * * 4 books 8 [Left Unread Books\\ \\ Michael LaBorn\\ \\ • Aug 16 2024](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [As you know, I have been searching for the perfect manuscript to be our first Left Unread book! And I have been STRUGGLING. Over the last month, I have read SO many incredible books. I read a chapter from each of the 30+ books submitted to us through the Pitchfest and the 10+ agented books that I found interesting. And out of all of those books, I've come across 13 total that I thought had potential to be the kind of story I am looking for.\\ \\ So I have been BUSY for the last month, reading through manuscripts, searching for the PERFECT manuscript. And honestly, a lot of these books really spoke to me, for various reasons. Some of them for the incredible writing, some of them for the ambitious storylines or the dynamic characters, etc. I feel so privileged because I've been able to spend the last five weeks reading some truly incredible authors. But I was struggling, because while many of them were really good books, they just weren't the very specific thing I am looking for. And honestly, I was getting a little discouraged over the last week, wondering if I was even going to find one! Because while many of them interest me, and I think would do well in my hands, I really really wanted our FIRST publication to have some really big conversations. That has been the mark of my content. Books that say something challenging about the world. And I wanted that for our first one! Something dystopian or a fantasy that was heavy on the dismantling of systemic oppression.\\ \\ And don't get me wrong, that's not ALL I want to publish. I am very open to publishing a wide variety of stories. But I wanted the first one to really dive into some of the themes I built this community talking about! (And some of these books did that on a smaller scale, which is fine! I am not diminishing those stories or saying they don't say important things.).\\ \\ I found one during pitchfest that really did what I was looking for, but after speaking to the author, it seemed a better fit to pursue for a later publication! (Which, no promises there, but at this point, I am very eager to figure out a timetable with that author so that we can stamp the Left Unread seal on it--meaning Snow White Burns the Patriarchy, of course). But that left me without a sure manuscript for the 2025 Fall season.\\ \\ Well...the one I just read is a strong contender. So let's talk about it:\\ \\ This is a dual POV fantasy, following three women in a small nation that has spent the better part of a century fighting for it's independence from a larger aggressor:\\ \\ - One of them is a warrior who was taken as a child from a neighboring nation and raised to be a soldier in the Queen's war for independence. She is a ruthless warrior who is not only accomplished in battle, but has built her entire identity around her ability to kill for a Queen who robbed her of her own family, home and culture. She has no public name of her own, no identity outside of her service, and is forced to wear a mask at all times to ensure anonymity and conformity.\\ - The second POV is a more senior member of that warrior sect who, despite being a second-class servant as well, has somehow risen to one of the highest positions in the nation as advisor to the Queen. She is fighting between advocating for her people and fighting to distance herself from the shame of being one of them. Her entire life is about nudging the Queen in the right direction while helping her to oppress her own people for a kingdom none of them are quite allowed to exist in.\\ - And the third POV is a small child who is rescued from their larger oppressor because of her potential for supernatural power. She knows there is a chance that, if her power ends up being unhelpful, she will be left for dead. But if it ends up being helpful...she will be turned into a weapon just like everyone else under the Queen's rule. Because at the end of the day, her only value is as an asset in a war that has nothing to do with her.\\ \\ This story follows these women as they pursue their own aims, while their stories interconnect and weave together a tale about colonization, oppression, and the perpetual victimhood of the people under empire, regardless of empire's aims. While reading this story, I found myself wrestling with questions about freedom, oppression, and the concept of empire. Because in the hands of empire, even liberation is a weapon against the oppressed. This book had me unsure who the good guys are, who the bad guys are, and what it means to truly be free.\\ \\ I took plenty of notes on areas where I thought the story could expand, grow and develop, but overall, this story was masterfully told. And my brain is already churning out all of the incredible conversations that I could have with this story!\\ \\ Here are some of the comparisons I drew as I read:\\ \\ - Watching our characters be reduced to their service to empire reminded me a lot of the primary conversation happening in The Name Bearer by Natalia Hernandez. Throughout that series, we are following a young woman who was taken by her family and stripped of everything that made her her own person. She has no family, no home, no posessions...not even her own name. She exists only to fulfill her role to empire. And that is a major theme in this story. No one--not even the Queen--has real atonomy. Everyone exists as a pawn in the all-consuming fire of empire.\\ - Engaging with our FMC's reminded me a lot of the way NK Jemisin navigated The Broken Earth series. We know early on what players hold power in this kingdom, what their aims are, and just how hopeless its people are. We are watching as they suffer, hoping with them as they fight against the system...while knowing just how little chance they have of actual escape. It reminded me of the absolute hopelessness of Jemisin's characters, and just how desperate they had to get to actually get freedom within reach.\\ - One of the things that impacted me most about The Poppy War series by RF Kuang was just how willing Kuang was to confront us with the horror of war. She never asked us to focus solely on the powerful. She let us see as the common folk suffered under the weight of war. This book does that as well. We are not just watching our main characters fight in a war. We are seeing the effect their war has on the people who have no power to fight for themselves. And i find that so powerful. Because that is the position our readers are in in the real world.\\ \\ One of the things that makes me hesitate is that it is a duology. The book had a very strong conclusion to this story, but it opened the door to a massive development that I am VERY CURIOUS ABOUT. But I would want to know where the second half of the story is going before I could really commit to it. Because colonization and oppression are massive conversations. I would hate to commit to a story this ambitious and then find out later its heading in a direction that I couldn't co-sign. But based on THIS story, I'm not too concerned about that. (I have asked our team to reach out for some clarity there so we can make an informed decision).\\ \\ Let me know what you think about what I've shared in the comments below, and over on discord!\\ \\ I am very interested in both of the stories mentioned here, and if our stars are aligned, we could absolutely release this story in Fall of 2025, and then have just as strong of a follow up with Snow White Burns Down the Patriarchy in Sping of 2026. (Don't quote me on that, because obviously neither author has actually signed on. I am dreaming here, not announcing how things will go.)\\ \\ But yeah...I am pretty interested in that thought. Putting out two very strong female driven stories back to back, written by women of color who have a lot to say about challening empire? Kinda a good vibe, right?\\ \\ Let me know what you think. Like I said, there are some others I would be interested in the future I think. Some, as is. Some, contingent on some redirection. But here is where I am looking for our debut and second launch...assuming both authors are interested.\\ \\ I am not SOLD yet. But I could be. How do y'all feel about these two stories? Would you be in for helping me chamption two strong FMC stories in a row? Or should we keep looking? It's really not the end of the world if we don't find something immediately. Agents will continue submitting manuscripts, and there will be future pitchfests as well! We can take our time if the stories we have in front of us aren't speaking to us!\\ \\ Share your thoughts and ask your questions! Let's talk this out for real! I meant it when I said I want to do this together. I don't want to make a decision without considering your thoughts and ideas!!!\\ \\ ​\\ \\ ​\\ \\ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/Kp1hHIcCwwhlKKRAM9W8/) [Publishing Update: Finger's Crossed... we might have something here!!!](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/Kp1hHIcCwwhlKKRAM9W8/) I am feeling really really good about the manuscript I just finished reading this morning and I wanna talk about it! Click down below to read about this manuscript and what next steps may look like...because this might be it, y'all!!! So make sure you engage. I want us to talk this out as a community!!! * * * 10 books 12 [8](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/Kp1hHIcCwwhlKKRAM9W8/#comments)