The Night Ends With Fire by K. X . Song is a dark twist on the classical story of Mulan.
The Night Ends With Fire
Fantasy
Ace
July 2, 2024
432 pages
Infused with magic and romance, this sweeping fantasy adventure inspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young woman determined to choose her own destiny—even if that means going against everyone she loves.
The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilin’s father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry. But when Meilin discovers her husband-to-be is another violent, ill-tempered man, she realizes that nothing will change for her unless she takes matters into her own hands.
The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her father’s place.
In the army, Meilin's relentless hard work brings her recognition, friendship—and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner. But has she simply exchanged one prison for another? As her kingdom barrels toward destruction, Meilin begins to have visions of a sea dragon spirit that offers her true power and freedom, but with a deadly price.
With the future of the Three Kingdoms hanging in the balance, Meilin will need to decide whom to trust—Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; the sea dragon spirit, who has his own murky agenda; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew—about her kingdom and about her own heart.
“They would never let a woman get away with something like this.”
“Something like what?”
“They would never let a woman hold on to power.”
The Night Ends with Fire is a darker Mulan retelling packed with twists and turns. As a huge fan of the story of Mulan, I was very excited to read this book. K. X. Song does a great job entwining parts of the story we all know and love, with new plot details and giving a bit of a darker side. There was not much spice, so do not go into it looking for a sexier twist, but there is a lot of *heat*.
I could not see his face, but I could hear the lethal emotion in his voice. “I protect what’s mine.”
The ending left me feeling out of sorts, and once you read the story you will know why. There is magic and dragons and the pull of good vs evil. All in all, I would recommend The Night Ends With Fire as a more serious fantasy read.
Hi, I’m Rebecca! I’m a Maryland girl at heart, but currently live in South Central Pennsylvania. The greatest loves of my life are my husband, my three daughters, and our Alaskan Klee Kai, Yoshi. The best time I find to read is when my kids are busy with one of their numerous extra-curricular activities and my husband is gaming. Let me tell you, a reader and a gamer make an excellent partnership! Aside from quality time with my family, I believe my day is best spent with a good book in one hand and an iced coffee in the other. My hobbies include reading books, buying books, and adding books to my TBR. And yes, those are three separate hobbies, don’t @ me. I’m obsessed with YA fantasy, extra-spicy romantasy, and everything in between. I’m insatiable when it comes to reading and if I love a book – I devour it. It becomes a part of me forever.
