"While at its heart very much a romantic fantasy adventure, actually filling this reinterpretation of the Mulan legend is the battle for feminine recognition and independence. "
This fantasy adventure is full of the fire and ambition of a young woman determined to escape an arranged marriage and make her way in the world. Disney’s Mulan is a ‘happy every after’ retelling of a darker Chinese story. Using the original Mulan tale as a base the author goes a step further, examining the culture of masculine power and what would happen to a motivated and enterprising woman during and after the battle for a kingdom’s survival. I suggest setting aside thoughts of the Disney film if you have seen it, and entering this novel afresh. K.X. Song has previously written novels for young adults, this is her first for adults. While the horrific violence of war, including torture and the threat of rape, is very much a part of this story, I do feel it could be read by some older young adults (mature 17-18 year olds) who will want to follow K.X. Song. This fantasy folds itself within a world of magic, including spirit dreamers, and a powerful phoenix and sea dragon. Romance weaves in and out of the tale, centring on Meilin the main character. Meilin stands in the spotlight, the story of her courage, stubbornness, and ambition flies high. I’m intrigued by the fact that this story is due to continue and so have included this novel as a Liz Pick of the Month. The Night Ends with Fire is an epic tale containing a determined Mulan inspired main character searching for independence.
| Primary Genre | Fantasy |
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The Poppy War meets Six Crimson Cranes in this gripping crossover fantasy, inspired by Mulan and Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
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 instead - but when she discovers that her husband-to-be is violent and ill-tempered, she decides to take 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 hard work brings her recognition, friendship - and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner.
But as her kingdom barrels towards destruction, Meilin must decide who to trust: Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; a sea dragon spirit with the power to grant her impossible magic; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew - about her kingdom, her loyalty and her own heart.
The Night Ends With Fire features in the following genres: Fantasy, Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month, Recommendations, Action Adventure, Romance / Relationship Stories, Fantasy romance, Epic fantasy / heroic fantasy, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging, Narrative theme: Social issues, Fiction, Fiction: narrative themes, Debut Books of the Month, Debuts
The Night Ends With Fire is available in Paperback, Hardback
The Night Ends With Fire was written by K X Song and published by Hodderscape an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton
The Night Ends With Fire has 432 pages
Yes it is part of The Night Ends With Fire series
£18.00
