by Sherry Thomas
Date Published: September 10, 2019; Tu Books
From Goodreads:
CHINA, 484 A.D.
A Warrior in Disguise
All her life, Mulan has trained for one purpose: to win the duel that every generation in her family must fight. If she prevails, she can reunite a pair of priceless heirloom swords separated decades earlier, and avenge her father, who was paralyzed in his own duel.
Then a messenger from the Emperor arrives, demanding that all families send one soldier to fight the Rouran invaders in the north. Mulan's father cannot go. Her brother is just a child. So she ties up her hair, takes up her sword, and joins the army as a man.
A War for a Dynasty
Thanks to her martial arts skills, Mulan is chosen for an elite team under the command of the princeling--the royal duke's son, who is also the handsomest man she's ever seen. But the princeling has secrets of his own, which explode into Mulan's life and shake up everything she knows. As they cross the Great Wall to face the enemy beyond, Mulan and the princeling must find a way to unwind their past, unmask a traitor, and uncover the plans for the Rouran invasion . . . before it's too late.
Inspired by wuxia martial-arts dramas as well as the centuries-old ballad of Mulan, The Magnolia Sword is perfect for fans of Renee Ahdieh, Marie Lu, or Kristin Cashore--a thrilling, romantic, and sharp-edged novel that lives up to its beloved heroine.
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Can anyone please tell me there's gonna be a sequel?! I would seriously sell my soul for a sequel. I will fight anyone to the death for a sequel. I need more Kai and Mulan in my life. GIVE ME MORE KAI AND MULAN.
Okay, deep breaths.
The Magnolia Sword with its lush, addictive writing, complex characters, swoony romance and a world steeped in history is an absolute must-read! It got a bit confusing at times, yes but that did not stop me from enjoying the book. I absolutely loved the beginning! It had the air of mystery and intrigue and I knew I just had to know what was happening.
This retelling of Mulan is one of the best I've read! Honest. Sherry Thomas' writing was flawless! I love the surprises. Love the backstory and the complex world. Love being immersed in Chinese culture and history. Love the unexpected humor. And I love, love, love Kedan, Tuxi and Kai!
And the romance. Hot damn, THE ROMANCE. It didn't exactly go as I expected and it wasn't central to the story so it was barely there but HOLY SH*T. Holy. Shit. Kai and Kedan are so perfect for each other! That scene about the marriage?! And the duel?! And the one with the reincarnation? It was EVERYTHING. I had the BIGGEST smile on my face.
Definitely one of the best books I've read this year! Will be re-reading this a few times more!
I received an e-arc via Edelweiss+ to read and review.
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