3.5⭐s

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

"Were human each of us. But I believe we're more than our worst moments. It's our best moments that have the power to define us.”

The Dragon Awakes With Thunder delves straight back into the world of The Three Kingdoms and immediately explores the consequences of Book 1’s ending. Where Book 1 one was a loose retelling of Mulan, this book very much deviates away from that and explores the next steps in Meilin’s story after grasping for, and wielding, so much power in Book 1. Meilin is still a very morally ambiguous character, with her ambition or ‘greed’ driving her decisions, which doesn't always make her the most likeable character. We really see her struggling with her addiction to power, both political and magical, and the implications of this addiction in her life.

A lot of action has been woven into this story and the plotline has been divided into three distinct parts. The first part of the story very much focuses on court politics and I found the pacing to be a little slow, not quite grabbing my attention. In contrast, Part Three was very fast paced and action packed, I was hooked and devoured the story. However, first and foremost, this story is about Meilin and her personal journey with any romance elements very much being a subplot. Now I will be honest, I am not the biggest fan of love triangles as I feel that someone's character always has to be assassinated for there to be a clear ‘winner’. Meilin's two love interests both clearly displayed their love for her, but I just wish there had been more depth in her relationship with the interest she chose, just a sprinkle of yearning.


If you enjoy a fantasy story based on Chinese Legends, with spirit magic and lots of action, then this duology is one you should be adding to your TBR.

I appreciate having the ARC of this book.

I really enjoyed book 1 and was excited to read book 2. There were points in the middle where I felt the pacing was a little slower than I’d have liked. However, overall I enjoyed this one

I enjoyed The Dragon Wakes with Thunder. However, while the first half didn’t go in the direction I expected at the end of The Night Ends with Fire, I felt it was stronger than the second half. I love a bit of court intrigue, and I liked seeing Meilin become more and more ruthless, but I at times was frustrated by her naivety. My mind occasionally wandered in the second half, and I felt the plot was a tad predictable. While (I think) this duology is marketed as fantasy romance, the romance did feel secondary to me, and this was reflected in the ending.

Overall, the duology is a solid Mulan inspired fantasy, and I would recommend it to fantasy romance fans who prefer their romance on the lighter side. I'll definitely be reading more from K.X. Song.

I loved the first book so much that I couldn’t resist picking this one up right away. We follow Meilin right where we left her, which made it easy to slip back into the story.

The opening, where Meilin navigates the complexities of court life and weighs her options in a world full of shifting alliances, is intriguing. That said, the heavy focus on politics slowed my reading a bit—it sometimes felt like too much packed in at once.

On the brighter side, I really enjoyed meeting new characters and watching familiar ones continue to grow.

I agree with my fellow reviewer @delvesinbooks that we could have had a trilogy, with the politics, court setting, and all the Lixia lore forming a separate book, and then a final installment dedicated fully to Meilin’s final journey.

Overall, this duology has been such an enjoyable journey, and I’m thrilled to have a special edition on my shelves to remember it by!

Unfortunately more of a miss than a hit. I found the pacing too slow for my taste and the overall plot read more like a trope filled YA romantasy than I actually expected.

This series is really fantastically written and I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys some feminist rage and fighting the patriarchy. The characters are all extremely complex and layered, but most of all, morally grey. This includes Meilin, who finds herself once again grasping for the power she thinks she needs and deserves, and the recognition to go with it. She’s wilful and determined, though not altogether likeable. She’s corrupted and blinded by the spirit magic, making it difficult to separate herself from the dragon. I didn’t like any of the main characters, as they’re all a bit awful, but there were some side characters I could root for, though they sadly don’t appear much. We do meet some new faces who take the story in new directions but again the majority of them have questionable morals.

The story is not a happy one, it’s all oppression and addiction and betrayal and manipulation. It won’t fill you with warmth and the romance elements aren’t developed much at all so really go into this prepared for a tumultuous fantasy with dark themes and lots of baddies. I admit I prefer books with more romance and likeable characters but I can see how well crafted this story is and its characters so I still enjoyed myself even if I will now be moving onto something with lighter vibes and more romance.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

“A dragon’s debt is paid in blood. Her choices? Even more costly.”

🗓 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: August 19, 2025
🫶 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: K. X. Song

✨️ 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 & 🍵𝗧𝗲𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Meilin’s back, and the empire still can’t handle her. After winning the war, she’s locked up for the “crime” of being a woman with a sword. But outside the palace, she’s a legend. Rebels want her, a prince wants her help, and Liu Sky wants her by his side. Oh, and the sea dragon Qinglong? He’s come to collect on a debt—and he’s not asking nicely.

This book dropped me right back into Meilin’s world with all the unresolved drama and tension from The Night Ends with Fire still burning. If you loved the first book, this one cranks everything up—the political chaos, the slow-burn vibes with Liu Sky, and Meilin’s fight to take control of her own story. It’s like catching up with someone who’s been through hell and isn’t about to back down now. Messy, intense, and impossible to put down.

Thank you to @hodderbooks for this copy!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.0-4.25 stars.

Our FMC is a complex woman and for that I adore her, I am always rooting for an imperfect character. My heart breaks at points for the betrayals, losses and devastation that occurs during book 2. The level of scheming is 10/10 in this book considering how we end book 1 you would think it’s all over for our main character, but she is deviously smart so don’t underestimate her.

I adore this book and the way it takes a popular story and made it it’s own. We begin with such traditional values and arachic equality and in book 2 we see those stiff societal structures torn down and reshaped, it’s not quite what you would envision but it’s a start.

The ending is not what I expected at all and it felt like duty and desire war with each other, it felt a little open ended but maybe I’m misguidedly hoping for a book 3. I’m so glad I started this series.

4.25 stars
After reading the Night Ends With Fire last year and loving it, I was super excited to be approved an e-arc for The Dragon Wakes with Thunder.

First impression was I should have done a reread of the first book as I found myself a bit lost with the characters and how they had interacted previously. Had I read these closer together it may have helped me build my relationship with the characters quicker.

We pick back up with Meilin and her fight changes and evolves more through this story. She gets confronted with her flaws and the position she finds herself as a woman in a fragile place of power. There is more palace politics in this book and more dynamics for Meilin to navigate.

Overall I found the parts between Meilin and Lei the most enjoyable as those emersed me completely into the story. He allowed her to be her most true self.

The end had me in tears. Really atmospheric world building and magic system. Not an easy read but worth the effort.

Why I’d Recommend It (or Why You Might Pause)
If you love:
1. Female protagonists who keep rising—even when shackled.
2. Epic fantasy rich in political scheming, rebellion, and mythic power.
3. Dragons woven into the moral and emotional core of the story.
4. A finale that doesn’t shy away from cost and consequence.

Then The Dragon Wakes with Thunder delivers with a vengeance.

But be cautious if:
1. You prefer slower, more contemplative pacing, especially in romantic arcs.
2. You’re turned off by love triangles or emotionally fraught relationships that feel volatile.

I adored the first book and was excited to read this one. It is very different - more of a focus on court politics than war - but just as good, and I adore Meilin. Definitely pick this up if you enjoyed The Night Ends With Fire!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I don't know what to say. We're at a level that joins The Poppy War Trilogy on some aspects. It broke me. I need to process it for a while. So much loss, grief, pain, hope, search for power with loss of oneself. And that ending is so bittersweet... If you've read the first book, brace yourself for this second one, and good luck, you'll need it.

As a big fan of The Night Ends With Fire, I was really looking forward to this one. It picks up pretty close to where we left off, I mean how can it not since Meilin was imprisoned. Nothing has changed on that front! The end of Chapter Two had me laughing, welcome back Meilin!

We see Meilin navigating court politics for a large part of the sequel which alongside a bunch of new characters was interesting to see how she tackled this new obstacle. Meilin being able to interact with more women was good to see and having her weighing up decisions to use her wits or powers to influence others was fantastic.


It's rare for me to say it but I think this could've done with being a trilogy. Without getting too spoilery, the Lixia addiction and certain gaps in the memory alongside the court drama feels like it could've been one book and give certain events, character arcs & relationships time to breathe. With the final journey being its own entry. Overall, I enjoyed it and the ending worked well but certain events + character 'developments' happened a little too fast for me!

Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton + Netgalley for this arc.

Unfortunately I did not enjoy this book, I found the first book struggled to keep my attention and I thought I’d give the second a try to see if it gets better. The plot wasn’t strong enough to keep my attention and the characters I struggled to connect with.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

K. X. Song’s The Dragon Wakes with Thunder was a great end to the Duology, journeying with Maelin as she discovers the weight of bearing power, betrayal and sacrifice and learns more about herself in the process! With gripping political intrigue the novel weaves a story of resistance, resilience, and self-discovery.
What truly stands out is Song’s ability to balance the personal with the political. The characters are flawed, passionate, and caught in the storm of a rising revolution. Maelin’s journey is emotionally resonant, capturing both the pain of disillusionment and the power of finding one’s voice.
The pacing occasionally falters in the middle third, with some subplot threads feeling slightly
However, I enjoyed the romance in here and although I don’t personally enjoy love triangles the way this was written was still enjoyable.
For readers who enjoy layered characters, historical depth, and rebellion, The Dragon Wakes with Thunder is well worth your time

I have been majorly anticipating the sequel to The Night Ends with Fire and it did not disappoint!! I completely sped through it.

Beginning with Meilin in the heart of Anlai's court, essentially a prisoner, we see her blossom in this book. Constantly consumed with doubt, her character development in this book was written so well. She's far from perfect, despite how hard she has tried to be, she's consumed with her desire to be more, to be remembered and revered. It felt like such a journey to follow along with her, getting frustrated at decisions she makes but understanding that it's the way she is wired, watching her trying to fight back against it, against the dragon within.
I absolutely loved Lei in this book, he's still a majorly dubious character but his actions speak so loud. I was very much a Lei and Meilin shipper as opposed to Meilin and Sky, ngl... and ugh there are moments within this book that were just soooo perfect, I could re-read them over and over again!! The connection they have is just sooo perfect.

I just think this book was filled with the most perfect imagery, I loved the descriptions of the spirit realm and I loved learning more about it and the way Qi worked here, I could read about this world forever.

Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes : Love triangle, political battles, over protective MMC.
Vibes : Imprisonment, post war, rebellion uprising, trust no-one.

What a brilliant conclusion to the duology! I had some theories about where the plot would take us and what would happen with a few characters, and I was not disappointed!

The Dragon Wakes With Thunder follows on immediately after the events of the first book. Sky fights tirelessly to convince his father to reconsider his decision to imprison Meilin, but the only compromise he's willing to make is to release Meilin under the condition she live her life as the rest of the women do in the Palace. Begrudgingly, Meilin accepts her fate, but soon learns that being a woman is a unique power in its own right, and she soon begins to devise a plan to help secure Sky's place as his father's named heir.

I really enjoyed the focus on the politics and scheming in the first half of the book. It was really interesting watching Meilin adjust and adapt to this new lifestyle, and constantly finding clever ways to turn the tables in her and Sky's favour. I loved that we got to see more of Winter in this book! His father and siblings all heavily underestimate him, and it was great getting to see him shine in his own unique way.

The romance in this book leans a lot more heavily into the love triangle vibe, it did feel quite similar to ACOTAR in how it played out (you'll know what I mean when you read it!). I loved both Sky and Lei for different reasons, and I think they were both such perfect characters in how different they were from one another, and the ways in which they love Meilin.

I was a little torn on the ending! I think things wrapped up in a way that was satisfying for Meilin's arc and I loved that her journey to help people was ongoing. However, some things did feel like they were left quite open ended and on a light cliff-hanger, I'm really hoping this potentially leaves things open for a novella, because I would love to see Meilin's journey to finding the Tortoise.

Thank you so much for the ARC!

As the sequel and conclusion to The Night Ends With Fire, The Dragon Wakes With Thunder delivers a fast-paced, emotionally charged finale that’s as ambitious as its protagonist. It takes the story in a very different direction from book one—less about female rage and intimate yearning, more about court politics, spiritual realms, and the corruptive pull of power. While this shift might feel disorienting at first, it ultimately serves as the crucible in which Meilin must lose herself before she can remember who she truly is.

The first half can feel like an uphill climb, especially if you loved the ferocity and immediacy of the debut. Meilin is harder to connect with here—her bond with the dragon has left her colder, more ruthless, and, at times, frustratingly distant. The political intrigue is rich but can overshadow the emotional beats. That said, the second half comes alive, reintroducing the intensity, romance, and raw drive that made the first book shine.

The Meilin–Lei relationship finally hits its long-awaited turning point, though some may find the shift from animosity to devotion a touch too abrupt. Sky, Lei, and Meilin’s dynamic remains one of the series’ most compelling elements, sparking both romantic tension and tantalizing “what if” possibilities. The love triangle—whether read as endgame, rivalry, or even potential polyamory—adds layers of complexity to already flawed, fascinating characters.

Not every element lands perfectly. The dragon, though central to the premise, remains more a haunting presence than a fully realized player, and Winter—the most grounded, morally centered character—gets a heartbreaking end that will leave some readers feeling robbed. Still, K. X. Song sticks the landing with an ending that’s hopeful, bittersweet, and thematically satisfying. It embraces loss, sacrifice, and the idea that strength can be found both in love and in standing alone. Meilin’s arc—ambitious, bruised, unyielding—cements her as one of the most memorable heroines in recent fantasy.

A duology that began with fire ends with thunder—messy, loud, and unforgettable.

Thank you, NetGalley & Hodder & Stoughton | Hodderscape, for providing access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the sequel and conclusion to The Night Ends with Fire duology, but let me tell you, I WANT MOREEEE!!!😩 I NEED A NOVELLA RIGHT NOW PLEASEEEE!!😩 Also, why is the author always so good at letting me roam free with my delulu scenarios because the amount of scenarios I’ve imagined after that ending is diabolical. No book has ever made me want to write fan fiction so bad.

This book was action-packed and unpredictable, you really had no idea what could happen next. The world building gets expanded and the magic system gets explored more. There’s a lot of symbolism and exploration of power and ambition and the price that Meilin is has to pay for it. This sequel also reminded me of the court intrigue from The Apothecary Diaries and how women survive in a patriarchal society, so if you like The Apothecary Diaries do give these books a try 👀.

The love triangle made me wanna strangle a SPECIFIC love interest to death but you can probably guess who 🤣 whereas I wanted to give the other love interest a big hug 🥹. On a serious note, I really love how the love triangle was not added just for the sake of juicy drama but it was very symbolic of what Meilin wanted for herself: would she choose freedom and the unknown OR would she choose safety and security?

Overall, I feel like all the negative and positive reactions and emotions I had with the plot choices were done on purpose by the author as this feels like a mirror to the reality of what a lot of women such as Meilin faced in history and still do in present day.

"We're human, each of us. But I believe we're more than our worst moments. It's our best moments that have the power to define us."

Uhhh, how do i even start…

A perfect ending to such a beautiful story. One of the most anticipated reads of this year was worth the wait!

I rated the sequel of “The night ends with fire” series 5 stars and deservingly so! although i was not so sure of that rating while reading first 50% of this book. It takes a completely different turn from what we had in the first book which is kinda logical considering how we left things. buuuuttt i was not very satisfied with that as everything that i loved about “The night ends with fire “was missing at first. The female rage, the strong will of our fmc, the yearning. Instead we got a lot of royalty and political intrigues and hunger for power. Often times I felt like i was reading about a completely different fmc, but I guess it was necessary for our girl Meilin to fall low to be able to remember who she is and what she wants in life.

Nevertheless, I ate up the other 50% of this book. We got everything that we didn’t get in the first half and it was so good! Meilin-Lei relationship finally took a turn we’ve all been waiting for and although I was so happy for them (giggling and kicking my feet) I felt like it was a little too rushed. Suddenly “bad” Lei became “good” Lei and “hating Lei” became “loving Lei”, but as a reader I didn’t quite get why and how it happened. I needed more context and character development that was on the page and not behind the scenes.

But other than that it felt like everything that happened was exactly how it should’ve been (in a good way). The Meilin character arc was one of the best I’ve ever read and I love this girl so much. Her and Lei are truly meant for each other, but more importantly they exist outside of their relationship. Both of them individually are such strong characters, but together they bring out the best version of themselves and that was so beautiful to follow.
The ending deserves a separate praise cause I don’t think there’s a more perfect ending to this story than the one we got.

K.X. Song you did it again! And I can’t thank you enough for bringing this characters and this story to life!

“And if I ever write “Tonight the moonlight is strong,” I am trying to say that I miss you.”

Also big thanks to NetGalley and HodderBooks for this opportunity. Such a privilege to read this as an arc!