Shelfology Book Pairing

A Novel

by R. F. Kuang

“I have no doubt this will end up being the best fantasy debut of the year I have absolutely no doubt that 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 of 2018 pick! Washington Post "5 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Novel of 2018" pick! A Bustle "30 Best Fiction Books of 2018" 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.

Celebrating Its 10th Anniversary, an Explosive Dystopian Sci-Fi Novel (#1 New York Times Bestselling Red Rising Series Book 1)

by Pierce Brown

A LIMITED HARDBACK EDITION OF THE FIRST NOVEL OF PIERCE BROWN'S ICONIC NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING RED RISING SAGA. This edition features new cover artwork, illustrated slipcase, designed sprayed edges, fold-out poster and full-colour illustrated endpapers with a new map. 'I would have lived in peace. But my enemies brought me war.' Darrow is a Helldiver. A pioneer of Mars. Born to slave beneath the earth so that one day, future generations might live above it. He is a Red - humankind's lowest caste. But he has something the Golds - the ruthless ruling class - will never understand. He has a wife he worships, a family who give him strength. He has love. And when they take that from him, all that remains is revenge . . . READERS LOVE PIERCE BROWN 'Oh my word. Now THAT was a book! I just ... I can't even' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I cannot wait to see where this series goes, if it's anything like this I know my heart is going to be hurting' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Is this one of the best books ever written? Your Gorydamn right it is!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'honestly the best book in terms of getting you invested in the first few pages. I'm on the third book now and havent been able to put the series down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Absolutely fantastic book. I HAVE FORCED 2 OF MY FRIENDS TO READ IT AND THEY STILL THANK ME. Read it. You owe it to yourself' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐