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If you’re a fan of R.F. Kuang’s epic and gritty fantasy novel, The Poppy War, you may be craving more books that explore similar themes of war, politics, and magic. While there are many fantasy novels out there, finding ones that match the intensity and complexity of The Poppy War can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of books that we think fans will enjoy. From LGBTQ+ authors to diverse casts of characters, these books offer a fresh take on the fantasy genre and are sure to leave you wanting more. So if you’re ready to dive into some new worlds, grab a copy of these books and get ready to be transported.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

The House of Berethnet has maintained power over the queendom of Inys for a millennium, but with no heir in sight, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from an ancient enemy. Ead Duryan, a lady-in-waiting and member of a secret society of mages, protects Sabran with forbidden magic, while dragonrider Tané faces a difficult decision that could unravel her life. As chaos looms and tensions rise between the East and West, the fate of the queendom rests on the shoulders of these three women.

The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart

The emperor’s mastery of bone shard magic has enabled his reign for decades, but as revolution spreads across the Empire, his rule falters. Lin, the emperor’s daughter, seeks to prove her worth and claim her birthright by mastering the forbidden art of bone shard magic, but faces a difficult decision when the revolution reaches the palace gates.

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

A reimagining of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor’s rise to power, the female monk Zhu is determined to do anything to possess the Mandate of Heaven. When a bandit attack orphans Zhu and her brother, she takes on his fate of greatness by assuming his identity and entering a monastery as a young male novice. Through cunning and determination, Zhu discovers that she is capable of doing whatever it takes to achieve her goals, even if it means betraying her own identity and resorting to callous actions. As she fights to claim her brother’s abandoned greatness, forces of rebellion against Mongol rule rise in the background, adding to the complexity of Zhu’s journey.

The City of Brass by  S.A. Chakraborty

Nahri is a con artist in 18th-century Cairo, who uses her skills to swindle Ottoman nobles and survive. But when she accidentally summons Dara, a djinn warrior, she discovers a world of magic and Daevabad, the legendary city of brass, to which she is connected. In this city, Nahri’s arrival ignites a long-simmering war and exposes her to the brutal court politics, forcing her to learn that true power comes with deadly consequences, and her wishes may not always bring her what she desires.

Jade City by Fonda Lee

The island of Kekon thrives on Jade, a precious gem that grants magical abilities to Green Bone warriors, who have long defended the island against invaders. Now that the war is over, a new generation of Kauls seeks control over the capital city, caring only for their own interests and the jade market. But when a new drug emerges that allows anyone to wield jade, tensions between the Kauls and their rivals, the Ayt family, escalate into a violent clan war that will determine the fate of the Green Bones and Kekon.

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

The Matsuda family, who live on the Kusanagi Peninsula, are powerful warriors capable of defending the Kaigenese Empire from enemies. Fourteen-year-old Mamoru must master his family’s fighting techniques and defend his homeland when an outsider reveals the empire’s alleged age of peace as a lie. Mamoru’s mother, Misaki, a former fighter, is determined to be a good wife and mother, but the threat of invasion and her husband’s behavior cause her to reconsider her past. When war reaches their peninsula, the family must decide whether to defend their empire or tear each other apart.