This book was FANTASTIC!! I love retellings, and I very rarely see a Mulan retelling.
Let's talk about some things that I liked:
- DRAGONS!!
- Mulan retelling
- Bad a** fmc
- Spirits
- Great supporting cast
- Clearly well-edited
The ending had my jaw dropped, but this is a part of a duology so I cannot wait to read book 2! Also duologies are the best book format and you cannot change my mind. Congratulations to K.X. Song on a fantastic book!!

This was a wonderful retelling of Mulan—which is one of my favorite Disney movies. The authors did a great job with this one. I was fully immersed in this story.

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. All of the stars. When I first started reading and realized this story would be centered around feminine rage, I already knew I’d be a fan. That is all just too close to the surface and every feeling Meilin had to fight about how those around her treated her for her gender and her ambitions, made me want to go down swinging for her. She is just such a juicy character and I am screaming to see what happens in the next book.

The potential love interests have me split because they’re gonna have to do some growing for anyone to be end game AS A MAN SHOULD 🙌. This was such a solid read with a unique magic system and complicated and layered characters. Phenomenal and I’m now on an auto buy for this author.

thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the eARC!

what to even say about this book! it was such an engrossing, emotional read. I’d say this is one of the books where the blurbs/marketing is quite true to the story- it very much felt like an adult, morally complicated, and fantastical take on Mulan.

the characterization in this was very strong; I felt it so easy to inhabit Meilin’s mind and life and understand her motivation. she also had good, fleshed-out relationships with the other characters. her and Sky’s relationship was moving for me, and I often do not appreciate romance in this type of book. her relationships with the other soldiers were also very compelling, and gave a lot of insight into both the setting and Meilin’s character. I found myself sometimes frustrated with the repetitiveness of Meilin’s internal monologue, in which it felt like she was not progressing in the middle of the book, but it wasn’t major.

the plot was well executed and interesting. it wasn’t that twisty, but the magic gave it some interesting turns that I didn’t expect. I enjoyed the worldbuilding around the politics and the magic, though some might find it overwhelming or complicated. I’m really excited to see where the politics go in the next book though!

I give this a 4.5★, and I’m excitingly awaiting the next book (especially after that ending, whew!)

I will post my review to my bookstagram over the next few weeks, and will update this to add the link when I do- UPDATED NOW WITH LINK

This book was exactly what I was hoping for based off the description! Though dark at times, I really enjoyed following along with Meilin's journey and found her determination to push against the confines of what being a woman means in her world inspiring. K. X. Song did an excellent job incorporating a romantic subplot without letting it over power the bigger story. While I am not typically a fan of love triangles, I found Meilin's interest in both Sky and Lei believable and intruiging, as well as cruicial to her character developement. I very much hope that this is the beginning of a series--I want to see what Meilin is going to do next!

In a kingdom at war, and facing a forced marriage to an abusive man, Meilin takes matters into her own hands and joins the army disguised as a man, hoping just to survive for a few months of freedom. But when survival isn't enough, Meilin works hard to be more than just another mediocre soldier, and soon her hard work has paid off and she's befriended the youngest prince of her realm and the one in charge of her troop. But things get a little more dicey as she discovers a link to a magical realm and must fight to save not only her kingdom, but also the world as she knows it, all while in disguise. Will she ever be free to be herself - a woman?

This is a well-written retelling of Mulan, a favorite of many. But this is also a darker, richer retelling, set in a mystical world full of political machinations and revolt. They who weld the power run the world, and Meilin just might be the key to restoring the balance the world needs.

This was so unique and interesting! I really loved the characters and the setting. It took a little while to get into the story for me but once I did I enjoyed a lot!

This was an awesome Mulan retelling! This book explores the “what if” side of Mulan: what if Mulan not only joined the army and saved the empire, but what if she aspired for more? Featuring fickle gods, elemental Magic, Asian mythology, a tenacious FMC, and a love triangle! This book really has something for everyone! Also, THE CLIFFHANGER ENDING?!? I’m signed up and patiently waiting release of book 2! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

→4✰
-spoiler free review

.𖥔 ݁ ˖"I needed to prove that I as a woman could be better than the rest of them. That I too could belong. That I too could be free."


when i finished this book all i could think was wow. wowowowow. i adore retellings and mulan is one of my favorite disney princesses so absolutely no surprise that i ended up loving this!

๋࣭ ⭑⚝ hai meilin.
MEILIN THE WOMAN THAT U ARE. i want to be her when i grow up please. she is the strong feminine girlboss mc that we didn't know we needed. i need her bravery puhleez

๋࣭ ⭑⚝ prince liu sky.
i was clawing for those tiny minuscule crumbs we get of him and meilin. i really hope there's more of this man in the next book (if not i may cry)

๋࣭ ⭑⚝ cao ming lei.
well. he was a character! he really wasn't all that bad near the end i guess. at some points he was giving fuchai from a song to drown rivers. that does NOT mean i love him. i just saw some similarities

.𖥔 ݁ ˖"In the dark, I rephrased the Imperial Commander's words:
A woman who could use a blade endangered the social order.
A woman who could think for herself jeopardized the mortality of the law.
A woman who could take power away from those who held it threatened the welfare of the state."
╰ i could never imagine living in a society where women are forced to live under a leader who believes these things. this book really opened my eyes to how it feels living a life that you don't want to live. women in this time and setting were expected to be at their father or husbands beck and call. meilin didn't want that for herself so she chose to fight in the war under her father's name in the hopes that she would someday be accepted for who she was as a woman.


.𖥔 ݁ ˖"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."

# thank you to netgalley for the arc!

The Night Ends with Fire is an immersive and fast paced Mulan retelling. We follow Hai Meilin, an 18 year old girl who, of course, deserts all she knows to join the military and escape her arranged marriage. As a man, naturally.

Howeverrrr this story significantly changes what Disney handed us. Here we explore what would have happened if Mulan didn’t leave out of loyalty to her family but because of her own ambition and desire for autonomy. What would have happened if Mulan wasn’t satisfied with her storybook ending? What would have happened if she simply wanted more more more?

K. X. Song said it herself, but it’s clear that she has written this story not only to make sense of the world, but to make sense of the strained relationship she has with ambition. She does just that and adds a whole lot of magic though, which I appreciated. :) It was giving major Poppy War vibes.

Now it’s time to be honest. I struggled with this book despite its breakneck pacing. Here’s why:

The beginning gave me whiplash, I wanted things to actually slow down so I could get to know Meilin, instead we just watch her ping pong around and do things. I think others will really appreciate that though as it really grips you by the hair. We also do eventually get to know what drives her.

The dialogue is a little simplistic and maybe a bit juvenile? There’s some cheesy lines. But sometimes that’s the vibe of YA. Then again the subject material gets pretty dark at the end so idk (what is YA anymore I have not a clue).

The training / fight sequences didn’t stand a chance… I was reading The Rage of Dragons in tandem and that blew these action sequences out of the park.

The romance was forgettable and I didn’t really like Sky all that much…unless a certain spoiler happens. In THAT case.

There were some betrayals and plot points that felt a little cheap. They moved things forward but I would have liked some more nuance there. I’m picky tho :/

Let me admit something now, I put this book down at the 40% mark, waited a month to restart, then almost dnfed it for another 20%, and THEN got back in and invested for the last 40%. I think this could have significantly skewed my reading experience towards the negative. I should have read it in one go. I’ll also say a large part of my renewed commitment to finishing was due to a character that shuffles in at that last 40%. Hello you.

Overall I appreciate what The Night Ends in Fire was seeking to do. I’m less convinced on the execution of it though. I was never fully in this story’s clutches until maybe the very end.

Anyway this comes out in July! Thank you NetGalley for the earc and thank you Berkeley for sending me an advanced copy! All thoughts are my own, obviously.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Night Ends with Fire was an interesting Mulan retelling. I'll admit that some things that were casually mentioned throughout the book definitely annoyed me. Especially when it comes to men being amazing and women being lower than dirt. How dare a female best a man at anything? Especially when it comes to being a better soldier.

Pretty please, weak men, jump off a cliff and never come back.

Anyway, after meeting Meilin, I really liked her. Nothing ever came easy to her, and she worked her ass off to become what she was. It definitely hurts my heart to see what went down in the last few chapters. So much betrayal, and ugh, I can't wait for the sequel filled with so much revenge.

Whether it was the magic, the adventure, or just learning more about the phoenix and the dragon, I was completely and utterly hooked. Spirits be damned. I would do absolutely anything and everything to get my hands on the next book. I need to know what's going to happen next and how she will escape this horrible place. It wouldn't displease me if certain people had to grovel for forgiveness, either.

In the end, I devoured this and enjoyed every second of it. I'm very happy that I got the chance to dive into this and I can't wait for everyone else to get to as well.

The Mulan influence is clear. I’m happy about that. Mulan was my favorite Disney princess growing up, so I knew I would come into this story being highly critical. Meilin absolutely embodies the essence of Mulan, with some additional traits and troubles that make Meilin her own character. Even with the added darkness of her character, the feminist nature of Mulan who just wanted the freedom to choose and be seen and respected as an equal remains.

While I love what Meilin was fighting for, something about the story read one note to me. I didn’t find myself particularly excited or eager to continue. I can’t quite put my finger on why. What I do appreciate is the uncertainty I’m left with about who Meilin should trust. The author used Sky and Lei to plant doubts in Meilin’s head and yet, they both seemed to care for her. It’s this dilemma in particular that has me curious about what will happen next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced eARC.

“Give this to Meilin when she’s ready to die.”

Meilin is greedy. Greedy for a new life free of men’s shackles and gluttonous ways. She’s not trying to change the world, so she tells herself. She wants freedom for herself, for a day, a minute, and isn’t afraid to die for a chance.

Legend says four cardinal spirit gods, including a greedy dragon and a phoenix set on revenge, can offer immense power to living hosts that exhibit their signature traits. When those who’ve reached their bottom call to the gods and locate the spirit's jade talisman, it begins—the end, some say, or the beginning, for Meilin, Sky, and Lei.

This thrilling, fiery romantic adventure will grip your heart and never let go. Meilin redefines what it means to be a woman in her world as she navigates a war of commanders and gods. This Mulan-inspired fantasy blockbuster is so rich and multilayered that it will be a summer favorite for fantasy and romance fans alike!

I loved every minute of this romantic fantasy from K.X. Song! Thank you Ace and Berkley Pub for an early copy to review.

I love retellings! This is such a time honored tale of women not being accepted in a typical mans position. I really enjoyed this take. Thank you Net Galley for this copy.

This was such a good read! I was immediately sucked into the story and could not get enough of the characters. I went on a full emotional journey with these characters and I really enjoyed it. The book was easy to read and kept a good pace where I was never bored. I will be recommending this book to all of my friends and family.

"I needed to prove that, I as a woman could be better than the rest of them. That I too could belong. That I too could be free."

I really enjoyed this one. A Mulan retelling, but with so much more to the story. I really enjoyed Meilin as a main character, and Song's ability to toy with the Chosen One trope; Meilin is far from a hero and a villain, and appeared to me as extremely morally gray. Her as well as the side characters seem fully fleshed out.

The writing style was simple enough to understand and get lost in, yet grown enough to feel like this is not a debut novel. The setting was beautiful and atmospheric as well.

I also really liked the themes of choice and womanhood living in a society dominated by men. Meilin is ignorant in her choices but grows to fully understand the repercussions of them, and really becomes her own person throughout this story.

*Minor Spoilers*

While the stakes in this book are high, I think the ending wrapped up a little too easily with the main villain. The cliffhanger was good, and I can't wait to see what happens to Meilin.

I am so excited to see if we are introduced to the other two jade creatures.

This has a lot of action in it and for an almost 500 page book, it moved fast. I am really looking forward to what I assume will be a book 2.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ace Books for the ARC

This retelling of Mulan is definitely gritty and engaging for adults. Meilin is being sold into marriage by her opium addicted father to a man that is certain to abuse her until he kills her. Seeing this as slavery and knowing that this is the only fate for women, Meilin disguises herself as a bastard son of her father and joins the military hoping for a taste of freedom before she will be executed for overreaching her station as a woman. When her dead mother's gem begins speaking to her, she learns that it is inhabited by the dragon spirit who wishes to use her in its war against the phoenix spirit, which is currently occupying a general in the opposing army. This spirit drove her mother to madness and suicide but even knowing this, Meilin's ambition to achieve more than society will allow women pushes her to savor the strength and power the Dragon offers. Romantic feelings with her superior officer, offers of mentorship from other spiritually powerful men, and memories of her mother's battle for freedom push and pull her in different warring directions.
I thought this was a really engaging story, and a powerful character who in the face of all odds, assessed and stuck to her own values. The author's note on the origin of the legend puts this story somewhere between that sad cautionary tale, and the silly Disney cartoon that became so iconic for the trans community (I didn't watch the live action remake).
Appreciation to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and the author for sharing an advanced copy of this title. All opinions are my own. Can't wait to recommend it to my patrons.

“Will I die?”… “No,… You will not.” I could not see his face, but I could hear the lethal emotion in his voice. “I protect what’s mine.”

Rating: 4.5
Spice: Not really, there’s one scene but it’s not explicit.
Tropes: Fantasy, Mulan Retelling, cool magic stuff, dragons, baddie fmc
TW: cliffy, mentioning SA
HEA: First in a series
Cheating: No
Thoughts:

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for an arc of this book. All opinions are entirely my own!

This was fantastic. Truly such an amazing book. The book follows Meilin who is getting married to this horrible man and so she decided to take her fathers place in the war to get away from marry him.

This book felt so nostalgic with it hand into a mulan retelling so I really enjoyed it. But with it adding magic to it, it made it even better. The plot was so interesting and it really made me want to devour the book. I love Lei. A lot.

This book is def worth your time. You need to read it.

I’m pretty sure we’ve all watch the Disney movie Mulan, right? Well here is a Mulan inspired fantasy novel that you should add to your TBR for July! I really like this one so much, one because there were pieces that did remind me of Mulan, but also because of so much more!

This book follows Meilin who is a young girl who didn’t want to be put in a box and follow the norm of being married off to be a submissive wife. She wanted to be fierce and show that she can fight amongst the men and follow her own path. After learning of her father’s plans, she decides to disguise herself and leave to fight in the war that’s currently going on.

I loved following our fierce female MC as she has to keep up her act to not reveal her true identity. We also find that while she’s doing so, there is a love interest that appears but also another that enters the picture as well as. Can we say… a potential love triangle brewing. This I was not expecting in this one. I found myself rooting for one over the other, but I won’t say. You’ll have to read for yourself! 😉 Oh, and that end!!!! I need to read book to for sure!

Read for:
➜Fierce FMC
➜Dragons
➜Action
➜Magic
➜Romance

Content Warnings: some sexual content, violence, torture, kidnapping, sexism, sexual harassment, sexual assault, classism, war themes,
Mention of: child abuse, addiction, mental health issues, adult entertainers,

***I received an ARC of this book, through Netgalley, ahead of release***

Do you ever finish a book and instantly want to cry and smack some people right across the face? 😅 Those are the emotions the ending gave me.

This is not the Disney Mulan we grew up with...in some ways it was a million times better...and in others I wish it was more Disney 🥹

Phenomenal book that I'm happy I pre-ordered so I can reread when it's released.