A dark and gripping fantasy inspired by 20th-century Chinese history and mythology. In her stunning debut, R.F. Kuang introduces readers to a vividly imagined world where empires clash, gods awaken and one young womans choices could reshape the future of a nation.

When Fang Runinknown as Rinescapes her impoverished village through a rare opportunity to attend the prestigious Sinegard military academy, she thinks shes left her past behind. Through relentless study and sheer force of will, Rin rises above prejudice and doubt, becoming one of the top students in her class. But she soon discovers that her true power lies not in strategy or swordsmanshipbut in an ancient, shamanic connection to the gods, particularly the Phoenix, a source of destructive fire and chaos.

As tensions rise between the Nikara Empire and its deadly rival, the Federation of Mugen, Rin is thrust into a brutal war that mirrors the bloody legacy of her land. Amidst the horrors of combat and political betrayal, she must choose between harnessing her terrifying abilities or resisting thembetween protecting her homeland or sacrificing her humanity.