Historical fantasy enthusiasts looking for their next epic should look no further than The Poppy War (Harper Voyager, $26.99) by R.F. Kuang. This story is set in a fantastical version of medieval China known as the Nikara Empire. Readers follow the life and trials of Rin. Orphaned as a result of the Empire’s recent war, Rin finds her life full of loss, hardship, and mystery. With the help of her one ally she aces the Keju, an Empire-wide test, propelling her into the ranks of Sinegard, the world's elite military school. There she begins to unlock the secrets of her past and of magics thought long lost. But always looming is the rumble of renewed war with the Federation of Mugen, the Empire’s ancient enemy across the sea. After two bitter confrontations, known as the Poppy Wars, the Federation is eager to reclaim what they lost to the Empire. Based on Chinese history and filled with pulse racing- action this is an excellent addition to any shelf.