The Night Ends With Fire

Every single character was very morally grey, they all had flaws and I love how complex they are. I feel like I could write essays about the characterisations of all the characters in this book and even the plot choices, especially from how this book ended. THAT’S HOW MUCH I WAS INVESTED WITH THIS BOOK!!!

There are so many things that I love about Meilin as a protagonist. I loved the exploration of female ambition and power and the struggles that Meilin experiences as a woman in this world of dominant men and I loved her selfishness and being unsatisfied with the cards that was dealt for her and wanted more than what that world was willing to give her. She is power hungry and fed up with living under other people’s authority and desperately wants to forge her own future on her own terms.

If you like love triangles where the endgame couple is not obvious at all then this is the book for you. Obviously though, there is a ship that I am in favour of, and I am begging for them to be endgame in the sequel because his interactions with Meilin have me involuntarily giggling like a fool and cheesing so hard. Although, I can see Meilin potentially ending up with the other character too. I would also still be very satisfied if she doesn’t end up with either to be honest.

I am immediately going to pre-order this book because this is instantly one of my top favourite reads of 2024 and I am already so excited for the sequel in this duology!

prior to reading this book, my knowledge of Mulan was limited to watching the Disney animation when I was little, so I didn't know what to expect of a Mulan retelling. I didn't expect to fall in love with this story and all its complex themes painted within.

the plot is very well developed, spanning over seven months and taking us on a long journey through two out of the three existing kingdoms. what captivated me immediately was the character of Meilin, and what made this read a 5-star read was her slow but sure evolution into a selfish, unapologetic main character. growing up in an oppressive environment, she views her ambitions as a perversion and curses being born a woman in a world that celebrates men. it was amazing to witness her evolution and inner turmoils throughout the book.

as for the other characters, I was so pleased to discover that all of them can be considered, to some extent, morally gray - none of them are "good" and each of them have their own ambitions, their own selfish reasons and deeply flawed morals. this way of portraying the characters made them feel real and made me understand their personalities better.

another aspect that I loved about this book is the corrupt nature of the magic system. here, magic acts as a means to rise above others, to instil fear and demand respect. the cost is also high and power ends up being seen as a curse rather than a blessing.

in conclusion, please pick up this book when it comes out! it is stunning, and I don't think I could ever do it justice with my review.

This book!😍 when I read the synopsis, I thought it sounded similar to the story of Mulan and the author later confirms this as a retelling. But she really makes it her own and I devoured it!

There are some similarities to the story of Mulan of course; The Dragon and Phoenix spirits, being disguised as a man in the army and the scene where she is bathing. But I feel that's really where the similarities end.

This story has flawed characters, Meilin often refers to herself as overly ambitious and greedy and this just grows throughout the book. And there's a love triangle going on also (will come back to this). I loved that none of the characters were wholly good or perfect. With Meilin, I feel her selfishness is relatable because I'm sure occasionally the majority of people at least wonders about 'what ifs' and plays out scenarios of what we could do if we had freedom of choices or more power or money.

I'm not generally a fan of love triangles but I can see why she would be attracted to both men, for different reasons. I've seen a few different opinions, but personally I prefer Lei❤

I just couldn't put this book down. It was full of action and I loved Meilin's determination and relentlessness. Her goals don't align with anyone else's, she is very strong and single-minded.

Can't wait for the sequel!

Thank you to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

The Night Ends With Fire is utterly engrossing. It's the cross between Mulan and The Poppy War I never knew I needed. I didn't want it to end. Meilin is fierce and it's her inability to accept that it's her lot in life to be a man's punching be that propels the novel forward. Like so many women today, she doesn’t wish to be held back by her sex. She wants to fight and she wants to win. She wants the glory and acknowledgement denied to her as woman and she is willing to spill blood to get it. Despite this, throughout the novel there is still a thread of naivety remains in Meilin which is ultimately her undoing so I'm excited to her evolution in the next novel as the last vestiges of her naivety disappear and how it affects her relationships with her commander Prince Sky, the cunning sea dragon spirit who wants to control her and the intriguing Prince Lei who warns her that not all is at seems.


My main criticism is that it seems slightly too derivative of R.F. Kuang's The Poppy War Trilogy however the similarities didn't dampen my enjoyment in any way.

"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."

This book is for all the asian girls who were told they are meant to be seen and not heard. For the ones who related to 'what was I made for'. For the archers, the mirrorballs, the masterminds, and the anti-heroes. Who lost someone special when they were young. To all those girls whose favorite disney princess is mulan and will always be better than any man. For those who'd risk anything for a second chance at life.<3

{Minor spoilers in the end}

I went into this book, expecting it to be good, but little did I know it would turn out to be my new favorite. The connection I felt with the book and characters. The way I lost myself in the world. It was an experience and I'd love to live it again. However, nothing could've prepared me for that ending or that twist...nothing.

Hai Meilin:
"I don't want to just survive. I want to be the best."

A girl with too many faces. A warrior, a fighter, and most of all a survivor. I loved her so much. I saw myself in her ambition. Her love and her trust. She was too good for the world.

All she wanted was to runaway from her horrible betrothed, only to be disappointed by more men.

She did what no feminist could ever do. I want her justice- I NEED HER JUSTICE.


Prince Liu Sky:
"If only my men riding out to war tomorrow could be half as fast and clever as you."

My insomniac little buttercup. But why? Oh why?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😭
I was screaming, crying, throwing up because of him. Smilling like a fool. Just to be betrayed with that ending. I'll always be on his team. ALWAYS AND FOREVER.

Him and Winter needed more scenes together. Him and Meilin need more scenes together. K.X Song lock your doors bsf.

Cao Ming Lei:
"You and I are the only heroes who will be remembered in this world"

You were right rina.
I hated him in the beginning. Rather... an understatement. I DESPISED HIM. But that ending damn it. He has so much potential.

A boy with a heart-wrenching background. The Fuchai in this story. (dw yall he's still breathing)
So smooth, although I hated him. But he passed with flying colors.

Sparrow and Tao:
"Ren, I'm sorry but this way we are traitors."

May they never find the Ying to their Yang. May they never find happiness. May all that is loved by them be taken away.

I won't forgive these sexist idiots. These abominations. These fools.


Sky and Meilin:
"Meilin, It is I who must ask for your forgiveness."

No because I was robbed. ROBBED I SAY. Forever and always skymeilin's no.1 stan. 😔☝️

"Sky"
"Hm?"
"Stay with me."
"Always."

This user has malfunctioned.

"I can't lose you again." BYE.

Qinglong:
"Never trust a dragon"

hahahah jokes ON ME. A disgrace in the name of mushu. Actual piece of nothing. The phoenix was better than him. He better perish in the next book. HE BETTER.

The authors note was beautiful and the quotes before the chapters were perfect.

The Ballad of Mulan and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms meet the likes of The Poppy War and Six Crimson Cranes in this first part of K.X. Song's upcoming duology: “The Night Ends with Fire” is a tale of magic, adventure, war, love, corruption, betrayal, oppression, freedom, feminism, wuxia (martial arts) - and do not forget dragons! This book really ought to spread like wildfire when it comes out because let me tell you: it is deserving of every praise it receives!

What an incredible story to read! I could not put it down. Like Meilin’s greed being the driving force behind Qinglong’s powers, my own greed to read and know more propelled me quickly through this book. The pacing was ideal with plenty of description. A few times I laughed, a few times I gasped. The world-building was excellent: K.X. Song has a way of transporting you into this world and exploring aspects of both the spirit realm and reality, as well as providing historical information about the history of the Three Kingdoms.

Also, Song very kindly provides us with a map which I always love as it helps me imagine things better!

Split into three parts, there were plenty of twists and turns: some I did not see coming, others, probably a lot of them, were predictable but enjoyable to see.

Had this been a single book, I would have rated it a 4 for the ending. Knowing that the story is to be continued, that there is a second book in the works made this even better. I do prefer being able to read a book as a standalone rather than wait for its conclusion later but I am excited to see the direction this story goes.

You can certainly see that Song has based a lot of this tale on the live-action Mulan. There are plenty of scenes that harken back to this. To name a few: our heroine knows martial arts before she even enlists, she trains at night herself away from the men, the bathing sequence, the presence of a phoenix. But there are many differences too. While I am aware some people did not finish even reading it because it felt too much like “Mulan fanfiction”, the point of a retelling is to tell a story again but it should have some unique qualities of its own. And unique qualities it did.

Song has created a whole new dynamic through the inclusion of forbidden magic and the Cardinal Spirits with their seals. Cardinal Spirits are the four spirits representing and controlling the time of day, seasons, elements and directions. These are:
• Xuanwu - north, tortoise
• Zhuque - south, phoenix - fire - gets power from vengeance
• Qinglong - east, dragon - water - gets power from greed
• Baihu - west, tiger
These are based on the mythological sacred animals of the Vietnamese culture. The two that are covered the most in this tale are Qinglong and Zhuque. Hopefully, we will get to see more of the other two and learn more about their elements and what fuels their power. It could be assumed that Xuanwu’s element is earth and Baihu’s is air. I personally like dragons and including a sea dragon in this story is everything! Again, the dragon Qinglong, is not like Disney’s Mushu in any way. Consider him less funny and more sinister and cryptic.

I really like the way Song has made these characters. Pretty much all of them are flawed, as they should be! This adds a great deal of realism, that not everything is straightforward. I love Meilin. A very well-fleshed-out character, indeed. I can see why some people would find her dull or naïve but I feel that is entirely the point. Meilin is portrayed most realistically: She is struggling as a woman in a patriarchal society who desires more than to be subservient. She has endured a lot of trauma from her childhood and adulthood, She is not perfect by any means, even after her training - even her magic is unable to help her when she wants. Essentially, everything she does, she has to work for it. I would argue it might be too repetitive in that regard. It would have been nice to see her win more victories. I did not like in the live-action Mulan that the heroine, like Song’s Meilin, already knows martial arts and I much prefer the cartoon that she learns along with everyone else and becomes very good at it.
Sky is the greenest of green flags! His temper and his prioritising of duty are his main flaws. But ultimately, he is a gentle kind person who cares very much for his people. Out of everyone, I found Lei the most fascinating. So handsome and charming yet enigmatic and indifferent toward people. He works for everyone yet works for nobody but himself. Sometimes a monster, sometimes misunderstood. Oh yes, I really like his complexity!

I am honoured to have been selected as an ARC reader for this book, and I’d like to thank K.X. Song and Netgalley for the opportunity.

I don't give many books 5 stars because I reserve it for books I think are truly phenomenal, but The Night Ends With Fire definitely deserves all the stars I can give it and more!

This is a hard hitting book about the oppression of women, mysogyny, and one girl's fight to find freedom in a man's world. Billed as a reong of Mulan, I wasn't sure what to expect, but this exceeded any expectations that I may have had.

Meilin is an excellent character who strives for what she wants: a life free from abuse at the hands of men. This makes her selfish and greedy and self-serving, but she is still kind and loyal to those around her, leaving her open for betrayal.

Both princes are beautifully written, leaving open a love triangle.

For fans of The Poppy War and She Who Became the Sun or just awesome women doing great things, this book will resonate.

Just a note to the publisher, there are several formatting errors that will need to be cleared up for readibility before final release.

Mark my words, this book is going to be your next obsession!

For me, this felt like a mix of Daughter of the Moon Goddess meets Mulan. There was so much weight to the story, even just behind Meilin’s identity.

I can’t wait for more people to read about this book and fall in love with the characters in the same way I did (even the bad ones 👀)

I’m eagerly awaiting book two!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodderscape for giving me access. This was a much anticipated read for me, and I have been aware of this book for a few months now.

I would like to preface this review: I have not read the original Mulan story, and do not know the details. Therefore, I cannot make a detailed analysis of how this books stands as a retelling.

Wow... just wow. K. X. Song has absolutely blown me away with this absolutely epic and exciting story. It deals with a variation of themes: gender inequality, inner conflict, grief, deception. I was moved by how each character had its flaws, but understandable motivations behind their actions. The dynamics between Lei and Meilin were wonderful to read. I hope we get more of them in the next book, as they have both suffered similar fates. I enjoyed learning about the lore, and the concepts behind the dragon, the phoenix etc. It was unique, and added a high fantasy element to this story.


On the note of gender, reading this book encouraged me to reflect. I haven't felt this with many recent fantasy books, but this one truly made me consider if the inner conflict that Meilin is facing is comparable to those that women face today. Seeing her grapple true difficulty with accepting the confines of her gender in this period was heartbreaking, but also realistic. Watching her find her own ways to rebel was a moment of immense pride, I felt like I was cheering her on.

K. X. Song has a special talent for writing tension between characters, especially that of anger, and attraction. I was fixated on this book in the last 35%, where the writing becomes immaculate. Though I will say that the first half, and certainly the Part One were a little slow, but it definitely paid off for the excellent run up to the climax.

An unexpected addition that I thoroughly enjoyed was the wonderfully written Authors Note at the end. K. X. Song writes 'And yet in the course of war, as Meilin gains courage and comes into her own power, she begins to redefine the parameters of her potential and re-imagine how far she can go in this world. I hope you, too, may do the same.' This was deeply moving.

I did not see this story being ended on a cliff-hanger and I am absolutely EXCITED for the next book. I have many unanswered questions.

I loved this book a lot. I loved the way the characters had magic through the Jade which bound them to a god.
I loved the flawed characters.
The romance was written fantastically.
I can't wait to read more from this world!

final rating: 4.5/5☆

thank you to netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the e-arc!

i like myself a good retelling, and this is one. Mulan (the disney animated one) holds a special place in my heart, so when i saw this, i knew i had request it. this book took what was originally already an empowering and captivating story of a woman taking her father's place in the army in disguise and made it into so much more.

(spoilers ahead!!)

this book started out reminding me a little too much of the live action at first, the girl Meilin with too much qi/chi who likes to flip around rooftops and will end up marrying against her will. but then that's where it all starts going whoosh in all the best ways. her meeting with Sky felt straight out of Howl's Moving Castle and i could feel the chemistry between them, something easy and exciting brewing that i needed to see come to fruition. and boy did we see that happening throughout the training arc, even thinking she's a man, Sky became her only true friend who supported her till the end (unlike Sparrow in the end, hope he gets his comeuppance in a sequel).

small note: the naming conventions took me out a bit. perhaps because i know chinese, seeing in english, Liu Winter and Liu Sky felt a little strange. i mean, i wouldn't have minded seeing Liu Xue and Liu Tian or Liu Kong, since everyone else's names romanised.

okay but, i was not expecting all the political intrigue in this one! it was all lots of fun, especially when Meilin is imprisoned by Lei, and he keeps us guessing about his intentions, towards her, towards the chancellor, and towards the war. in the end, i think he was the one who was clearest about the truth. apart from the spirits Zhuque and Qinglong, who will never reveal the truth. magic and politics in a Mulan retelling!

i can't wait to see what could happen in a sequel, with Meilin behind bars, Lei being used to negotiate a peace treaty, and the still not destroyed seal.

The Night Ends With Fire is a fascinating retelling of Mulan, including elements of the supernatural. We see Meilin struggle not just due to her place in society as a woman but also having access to magic which is outlawed. A big theme in the book is isolation and not just because of her circumstances but also due to the other characters motivations. The book can at times feel lonely as there's downsides to all of Meilin's potential allies, even Meilin herself is dealing with controlling her impulses due to her magic's influence. It makes it all feel rather hopeless at times, not knowing who to trust has you second guessing everyone's motivations and even Meilin. Despite this or because of this... The novel itself is a riveting read and flows well as Meilin escapes her marriage and joins the army in the three kingdoms war.

The cast of supporting characters are great and standouts such as Autumn, Lei and Sparrow really bring the book together even with you guessing the motivations and how they'll react if they discover Meilin's secrets.

I look forward to seeing what happens next in Meilin's story and if she can find some allies she can confide in! Thanks to Netgalley & Hodder & Stoughton for the arc.