Still reeling from this one. The book started where I expected and rolled along at a nice clip that kept me engaged and flipping pages until it took a sharp left turn in the last 25% that I wasn’t expecting at all. Not necessarily in a bad way, but way way darker than I anticipated. It’s a book that has war in the title, and Kuang doesn’t shy away from the realities or repercussions. The protagonist of this story is a fascinating female character study. Kudos to the author for going all the way there with her. She’s driven, competent, intelligent and so dark in an unforgiving way that challenges what we know about women but is so genuine to the character and nuanced. Rounding up from 4.5 for this reason. And for the fascinating discussion of religion. Queer rep: possibly a gay side character, but nothing explicit.

Short summary: To escape a life of poverty or being married to someone she can’t stand, Rin studies her ass off to get into an elite military academy. She wants to be the best solider, serve the Empress, and never return home. Rin gets her wish and more as she learns all may not be as it seems in the world. With access to hidden knowledge, Rin makes startling discoveries and gains unfathomable power, but can she handle what she’ll have to trade to wield it?

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐