Three times throughout its history, Nikan has fought for its survival in the bloody Poppy Wars. Though the third battle has ended, the war still rages for Rin. Haunted by the atrocity she committed to save her people, the shaman and warrior is on the run from her guilt, the opium addiction that holds her like a vise, and the murderous commands of the fiery Phoenixthe vengeful god who has blessed Rin with fearsome power.
While the young warrior welcomes death, she must remain alive until she avenges the traitorous Empress who betrayed her homeland. Rins only hope is to join forces with the enemy of her enemythe powerful Dragon Warlord, who plots to destroy the Empress.
But Rin soon learns that the Empress and the Dragon Warlord are not what they seem, leading her to contemplate the unthinkable: using the Phoenixs deadly power once more. Because there is nothing Rin wont sacrifice to save her country . . . and exact her vengeance.
