In 'The Dragon Republic', R. F. Kuang's masterful sequel to 'The Poppy War', the fiery Rin is fraught with the consequences of her actions in the last war. Haunted by an atrocity she committed and burdened by addiction to opium, she is nonetheless compelled by the divine mandate of the vengeful god Phoenix. Rin seeks redemption and vengeance, joining forces with the Dragon Warlord to overthrow the Empress and establish a new republic. As they venture deep into political intrigue and the art of warfare, Rin battles the seductive promise of Phoenix's power, which could be both her salvation and her undoing. Pulled between her patriotism for Nikan and blood-soaked destiny, Rin's journey is a testament to the sacrifices one must make amidst a treacherous path to vengeance and the pursuit of a new dawn for her people.