A01=K. X. Song
Author_K. X. Song
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Category=FMB
Category=FMR
east asian fantasy
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fantasy
fantasy book
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friends to lovers
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mulan
myth
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romantic fantasy
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warrior
Product details
- ISBN 9781399725293
- Weight: 312g
- Dimensions: 126 x 196mm
- Publication Date: 10 Jul 2025
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Paperback
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THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
'EPIC AND ROMANTIC' AMÉLIE WEN ZHAO
'TRULY EPIC' THEA GUANZON
'DEFIANT AND COURAGEOUS' NALINI SINGH
This sweeping fantasy adventure inspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young woman determined to choose her own destiny - even if it means going against everyone she loves.
RAISED TO OBEY. DESTINED TO REBEL.
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.
TROPES
Political Intrigue ⚖️
Chinese Mythology 🐉
Love Triangle ❤️🛆
Dark Magic ✨
Betrayal 🗡️
Bad Ass FMC 💪
READERS ARE LOVING IT
'It blew me away and left me hooked!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The romance is flawless' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'There's nothing I love more in fiction these days than an ambitiously flawed woman' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The pacing of this was absolutely perfect' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Wow what a book devoured this in 24 hours' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
K. X. Song is a diaspora writer with roots in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Raised between cultures and languages, she enjoys telling stories that explore the shifting nature of memory, translation, and history. Her young adult novel, An Echo in the City, was named a Best Book of 2023 by Financial Times and Kirkus Reviews. Her adult fantasy debut, The Night Ends With Fire, was an Indie Next Pick and an instant New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Sunday Times bestseller. You can visit her online at kxsong.com.
