This book hit HARD. It was powerful and beautifully written. I can't wait for more people to read this and to own this beautiful book!

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author, K.X. Song for allowing me to read an eARC of this book! *all thoughts/opinions are my own*

I always thought, “How cool would it be to find a book that I believe has the ability to become the next BIG BOOKTOK sensation?” And honestly, I think I found it!!!

I absolutely am 100% obsessed with this book. I finished it and wanted to flip back to the beginning immediately. 😍

First, we have a Mulan Retelling which is why I initially asked for this ARC so we have hidden identity, found family, adventure, a sus spirit dragon, a quest to stop a war…a love triangle (plz, I beg, don’t make me choose!!!) and a POWERFUL story about a woman daring to make her mark in a male dominated society and be free. 😭 It was perfect. And while there are a lot of similarities in these pages to the original Mulan story that I loved as a kid, there was so much that makes this book its own.

The ending about took me out 👏 K.X. Song…I need this story to continue!

Two of my favorite passages:

“Do you think they’ll let you live,” she’s asked me on our last night together. “They would never let a woman get away with something like this.”
“Something like what?”
“They would never let a woman hold onto power.”
…………….
A woman who could use a blade endangered the social order.
A woman who could think for herself jeopardized the morality of the law.
A woman who could take power away from those who held it threatened the welfare of the state.

🤯 all the female rage and I am here for it!!!

The Night Ends with Fire is a Mulan-esque story that follows Meilin from taking her father’s place in the military draft he refused, through a face paced climax that sped into an unexpected ending. This is a wonderfully written story with a main character that is fantastically well developed. The landscape is rich in detail, and the plot full of twists and turns that keep one coming back for more. The climax is brilliant and speeds toward an unexpected but emotionally fraught ending that will leave one hoping for a continuation of the story. All in all a great read that will leave one hoping for more.

Thus, my heart is searching…searching for an end to the imprisonment of Hai Meilin. After everything … that is what befalls a woman with ambition. Part of me feels this story is the true “Mulan” story as it would have happened. This retelling of sorts has a darker side mixed in with the romances, the victories, the false comradery, the woman who deigned to have more in life and became a man to get it. She alone saved a Kingdom from losing a war and yet it was she who ultimately is made lesser for it. My heart honestly hurts after this one. I hope in the next the three kingdoms is introduced to a Merlin who is out to take power from the same men who betrayed and vilified her. Skies I was not prepared for that ending.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, & Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC! I was giving a copy for an honest review and all thoughts are my own.

I absolutely and highly recommend this novel if you are a fan of the Mulan story and want a more accurate portrayal of what her journey must have truly been like. I was rooting for her the whole time knowing in the back of my mind this wasn’t going to end well for her, but i am hopeless when it comes to my desire for happy endings…this was not that kind of ending.
We follow Meilin through some very tough decisions and her inner struggle to balance her need to feed her ambition and change her fate with an unwavering commitment to securing victory for a kingdom that doesn’t deserve it, BUT a kingdom where the people she loves, lives. Impossible decisions haunt her every move, and while I was irritated with her inability to see Lei’s motives and clear deceptions, I also recognize her weakness was in strategy. I hope in the ext installment of this series the author gives Merlin a bit more “smarts” in this area. Especially now that she has more worldly experience under her boots.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

NO REGRETS!!!!
5 out of 5 stars

This was such a lovely and magical Mulan retelling! I am all for women taking back their power and loved Meilin’s determination and strength as she tried to keep her head afloat in a world of men.

Trying to avoid a marriage that would cripple her, Meilin sneaks off to war and enlists as a soldier. She is scrawny and scrappy but proves her aptitude for battle and quickly surpasses peers in skills. At the same time, the Jade gifted to her from her recently deceased mother starts to haunt and tug at her mind. Soon, a new battle takes place within her and the spirit world as she reconciles her growing elemental power and the spirit who drives her forward.

There’s multiple love interests, battle scenes, strong wit, resiliency, and magical lore steeped in mythology and creativity. I really enjoyed the story telling and was hooked from the very beginning.

My only reason for not ranking this five stars was being a little confused in the middle about the jades, who was who, and not agreeing that greed was her motivating force - I think she was just like every woman trying to prove herself and fight for her worth in a man’s world.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

I loved reading The Night Ends with Fire; with such lyrical prose and beautiful imagery, it was really easy to picture myself in the world of the Three Kingdoms. I haven't read such a delightful Mulan retelling in quite some time!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

The Night Ends with Fire is a sweeping tale of magic, war, and romance. But at its heart, it is a story about women fighting for power and agency. Fans of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and The Poppy War will enjoy this thrilling, action-packed first installment in an epic

Song's beautiful writing reminded me of the writing in Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Beautiful narrative prose that somehow gave off a nostalgic feeling as the main character, Meilin, narrated her journey. The writing uplifted the magical atmosphere of the book and made for a steady flow that was easy to read without my mind wandering.

The world-building and magic intrigued me immensely. The book is inspired by the story of Mulan and while it definitely gave off Mulan vibes, it wasn't a mere Mulan retelling (yes there is a dragon. No he's no Mushu). It went far beyond that. It holds complex war politics, intricate magic, ancient lore and myths, and dangerous spirits and their alluring power.

Meilin was a great main character. She was stubborn and selfish, greedy, and a little naive at times. But she never stopped fighting for what she wanted, did not let anyone stop her from creating her own destiny, and always got back up after failure. She was resourceful, tenacious, and, at times, a little mad, but this combination of characteristics made her persona all the more authentic. I loved that she would go to any lengths to obtain her freedom and power. She refused to accept society's view of women and refused to fill her role as property to her father and then her husband-to-be, never getting the freedom to make her own choices.
If there is a character trait I absolutely love in my female characters, it is when they spend hours alone, secretly training to become better and then the best. Through pure stubbornness and her want to become the best, Meilin spent her nights training again and again until she could best her comrades.

Both male love interests were very intriguing to read about. I still can't decide if I ship Meilin more with Lei or Sky. Song had a way of writing their interaction in such a way that I always shipped Meilin with the man she was interacting with. I can't possibly predict who will be endgame and it makes it all the more fun.

The Night Ends with Fire comes out July 2nd. This is a solid first book and I cannot wait to read the sequel and see what happens next. This is a tale of freedom and choice, of ambition and power. There is joy, there is pain, but underneath is all there is rage. The unending rage of women who have been forced into silence and are tired of it. They are ready to break free.

5 STARS
This story is AMAZING and Meilen has quickly become one of my favorite FMC’s. I loved how powerful she is and her storyline. I could not put this book down, I NEEEEEED book 2 as soon as possible.

Thank you so much to AceBooks for sending me a copy!

Every now and then I’ll pick up a fantasy type book and every time I’m reminded that I need it more often!!! This one’s a Mulan retelling woven with mythological magic, warring territories, and distinct characters that’ll easily paint this 400+ pg story

it’s a stunningly thicc book but the story moves quick with its short chapters!! there’s ambition, war strategies, secrets, historical magic, dragons, a phoenix!!! and as a romance girlie, I was hoping for moooore romance but I guess when am I not asking for more

In the first half I had to constantly remind myself not to align it with my memory of the Disney film 1998 version. *steps on soapbox* Mulan is one of the best 90s Disney movies for me bc of the representation back when I was little girl, the quotable lines (that I use in my every day convos), and the absolute fire soundtrack!!!!! SO, I was able to recognize the similarities to the Mulan story I knew beforehand and was also able to see the Mulan retelling aspect in this read. I love how retellings can wonderfully change and add new layers to something we once knew.

I read between my physical and then on my kindle. the story has always moved quick but then in the second half I couldn’t pry myself away (also bc I wanted to be ready for Berkley’s book club discussion). I saw the percentage getting closer to the end and still couldn’t figure out how it’d end! Needless to say, I am very ready for book #2!!!! 💳💥💳💥💳💥

This is one of the Mulan retellings that will be published soon. So don't be surprised by the scene that involves a woman dresses herself as a man and joins in military training for war, <i>Hai Meilin</i>. But there was something peculiar about Meilin; she appeared to have another soul speaking to herself, which turned out to be Qinglong: Azure Dragon. Many peculiar happenings happened. The question is why. And how will Meilin reconcile with Qinglong? How about the war then?

_________________________

<b>3.5 stars</b>

It's too early for me to like this book because there are plenty of plot holes that will need to be addressed in the next book. The world building is additionally not particularly remarkable or a descriptive one but I am enjoying the romance part, which is brief but intense. Aside from that, when I read the last scene, I thought it was acceptable, if only there weren't so many things that needed to be discussed again lol. For now, I'm gonna consider the following book as a novella alternatively.

<b>ANYWAY. Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for this Advance Reader Copy as an exchange for honest review.</b>

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What an enchanting, exquisitely written, and intellectually stimulating historical fantasy, weaving mythology, magic and romance into a captivating retelling of the timeless Mulan narrative!! The exceptional world building, rich character development, morally complex figures, inclusion of mythical creatures and a spirit realm, pulsating tension, thrilling action sequences, poignant romance, mesmerizing magic, empowered female protagonist, harrowing wartime scenarios, gripping betrayals, unexpected plot twists, all set within an atmospheric backdrop, collectively render this narrative a truly spectacular and immersive reading experience. From the breathtakingly stunning cover to the irresistibly intriguing story, I was instantly captivated and found myself devouring the book with unbridled enthusiasm. I can confidently declare that this book has secured its place among my top favorites for the year 2024!!! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

The Night Ends with Fire follows the journey of Meilin, a young woman determined to forge her own path, even if it means defying everyone she loves. Amidst the chaos of war in the Three Kingdoms, Meilin father, trapped by addiction, plans to sell her for her dowry. Faced with an arranged marriage to a violent man, Meilin disguises herself as a boy and enlists in the army in her father's place. As she rises through the ranks, forming bonds with comrades and navigating complex relationships, Meilin must confront visions of a sea dragon spirit offering power and freedom, but at a perilous cost. With the fate of the Three Kingdoms at stake, Meilin grapples with trust, torn between loyalty to Prince Sky, the enigmatic sea dragon spirit, and an enemy prince who challenges everything she thought she knew about herself and her kingdom.

When I reached the last page of this book, I couldn't contain my frustration and yelled "NO!"at my husband, as the ending left me I disbelief. However, after delving into some research, I discovered that it's jut6 the first part of a duology. While I am relieved that the story isn't over, the anticipation for the next installment is almost unbearable. Now, I find myself eagerly counting down the days until I can continue the adventure. Consider this your warning-once you're hooked, the wait for the next book becomes an agonizing test of patience!

In conclusion, this book had me completely captivated from the first page to the last. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a fantasy read Its enthralling storyline and richly developed characters deserve infinite stars of praise!! ♾️💫💫💫💫

I always appreciate a book full of female rage, and The Night Ends with Fire is overflowing with it.

You know the drill: our protagonist is set to be married, but with war on the horizon, she sets off disguised as a man to be a soldier for her homeland. Except this world is less forgiving than the Disney movie, and Hai Meilin is up against insurmountable odds... or are they?

It's a vicious, angry little 400 page book, and our protagonist is not afraid to get her hands dirty. The price of war is high, regardless of who you fight for, and I would've liked more of an examination of those themes. Some of the tropes were a bit overdone, especially when you've read as many Chinese fantasy novels and watched as many Chinese dramas as I have, but I had a great time following the emotional twists and turns. If you're looking to watch one girl's battle with her inner demons and the world at large, all at once, this one's for you.

But that ending... insane. I need the sequel to manifest at my doorstep pronto.

This book was amazing! I have longed for a Mulan retelling and this was it. It was hard to put down. The characters were complex and morally grey with rich storytelling. This will be in the top running of one of my favorite books of the year.

The Night Ends with Fire might have just become one of my favorite books. This was just amazing.
I couldn’t put it down, and when I wasn’t reading it, I was just thinking about the next time I could pick it up.

The Night Ends with Fire is a Mulan retelling, that follows Meilen. She doesn’t not want to be married to an abusive man, so she enlists in the military pretending to be a man.

So much happens throughout the story. There is so much world building and backstory and character development. The characters are very morally grey, and it is so interesting to read and be surprised by them.

I also loved the tiny hints of romance that are sprinkled through the book, and I love the bonds that form between characters.

I honestly was just amazed and in love with this whole story. Would recommend this for anyone who enjoys fantasy!

If you like retellings of fairy tales, mythology, folk tales, etc. this is an interesting retelling of Mulan. If you need a feel good ending, this is not the book for you, but if you don't mind an ambiguous ending you may really enjoy this. I hope there is at least one more book that takes Meilin's story past the point where this one ends.

This was really good. I loved the complex characters and their journey but also loved how easy it was to follow along. This was amazing!

WARNING: MY REVIEW CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERY ELEMENTS!

I really enjoyed this! I'd not heard of K.X. Song but the cover was pretty and when I saw that it was inspired by Mulan, I hit the request button so fast! The first half more closely follows the story of the Disney movie -- girl leaves her family to take her father's place in the war -- although she's not doing it to save her father (who frankly could use a sword to the stomach imo), but to escape a life trapped with an older, abusive husband and her very rigid life as a woman in general. There were a lot of time in the first half where I couldn't help picturing scenes from the movie and I'm not even mad about it -- it was kind of fun! But reading the book is not just like watching the movie; the story eventually deviates from that plot to it's own original, exciting, sometimes brutal adventure. I loved Meilin! She's such a badass! I liked the internal struggle she has with her own motivations (with the way it ended, it has me thinking a villain-ish arc is possible which could be very interesting). I loved scary spirit mushu! :P I do NOT like Sparrow! And oh no, I loved both Sky AND Lei! Uggghhhh... I don't like love triangles!!!! Especially when I like both love interests (if that's even what they are at this stage??). Sorry, this review became way more unhinged and rambling than I intended! I can't wait for the next book in the series. I don't want to wait, I want it now!

In K. X. Song's adult debut, The Night Ends with Fire, an action-packed fantasy reimagining of "The Ballad of Mulan" and Romance of the Three Kingdoms, an ambitious young woman enlists in the army to escape a bleak future. Hai Meilin's nobleman father is addicted to opium and has gambled away the family's fortune, plunging them into deep debt. Her stepmother and ally Xiuying has kept the household running so far by selling family treasures, but now they've reached a breaking point. Meilin will be sold off to whichever man will pay the most for a noble bride.

Meilin is matched with Master Zhu, a merchant whose previous wives allegedly died from consumption. Suspicious, she walks by his home and sees Master Zhu viciously strike a servant girl, reminding her of the abuse she suffers at her father's hands. She sees clearly the future before her--"I would flee Father only to fall under another master. And even if I were to bear him a healthy son... that son would one day grow up to become a man, and then he too would command me… I would be under the whim of men for the rest of my days."
The kingdom of Anlai is at war to defend itself from the southern kingdom of Ximing, and Meilin sees a chance for freedom by pretending to be a bastard Hai son and enlisting in her father's place. Before she leaves, Xiuying gives her a jade pendant, one of the four cardinal spirits’ seals left to Meilin by the mother who drowned herself, with the instruction to "Gives this to Meilin when she is ready to die." Soon the spirit of one of Qinglong, the Azure Dragon, begins whispering to her, urging her to use his power to secure her own, but using spirit magic is dangerous. The warlord who rules Anlai has outlawed all spirit worship, and the sea dragon's magic puts Meilin at risk of losing her moral compass and her life.
Meilin's other secret, that she is a woman, is even more dangerous. As she enters the world of men, she experiences freedom for the first time, even as her actions are dictated by her military superiors. Smaller and weaker than her male peers, Meilin trains harder than anyone else. She is placed under the command of handsome, honorable Prince Liu Sky, seventh and youngest son of the warlord. A chance encounter with him shortly before she enlists sparks an immediate attraction. Will he be able to see through her disguise?
At first, using the sea dragon's power is abhorrent to her, but as time passes she relies on and even relishes the control it gives her--over water, over battles, and over her opponents' very minds. Meilin's ambition, what Qinglong calls "an ocean's hunger," drives the story as much as the race to find the lost pieces of the phoenix Zhuque’s broken spirit seal.
The search begins when Qinglong shows Meilin a vision of the future, one in which Chancellor Sima has destroyed the Anlai capital Chuang Ning and Meilin's family, and sets her on a quest to find the remaining two jade pieces--if she does she can change the fate of the Three Kingdoms. Sima needs the remaining pieces to destroy Anlai and one of the Ximing princes, scheming, beautiful Ming Lei, also seeks the pieces for his own reasons. Meilin is pulled into Lei's household; hemmed in on all sides, she cannot free herself and save her family alone. Who can she trust? The sea dragon? The men with whom she is romantically connected? Her fellow soldiers? And what is she willing to give up for power?

Some characters and plot points are reminiscent of Disney's 1998 Mulan adaptation, such as an outdoor bathing scene in which Meilin's secret is almost discovered, and a budding romance with her dashing military commander. This is no humorous, exoticized cartoon, however. The dragon spirit is greedy and encourages Meilin's darker impulses. Gender-based violence is prevalent, as is war violence. In one memorable scene, Chancellor Sima uses the phoenix Zhuque's fire powers to kill 10,000 Anlai soldiers, including almost all of Meilin's platoon. Song also builds something of a love triangle with two enemy princes similar to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and casts her heroine not as the obedient daughter but as a morally gray young woman who will do whatever it takes to free herself from the life laid out for her.

The Night Ends with Fire blends historical fantasy with Wuxia martial drama and action into a compelling, complicated story of ambition, secrets and betrayal. The magic system is as realized as the political maneuverings of Song's characters and the first-person perspective gives the book wide appeal, especially for readers aging out of the young adult fantasy genre. This epic adventure takes Meilin from her home in Anlai to the heart of Ximing and back, to palaces and battles and to an ending that torments Meilin and the reader. Readers will be eager to see how Meilin triumphs--and what that looks like--when Song concludes this planned duology.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

The Night Ends with Fire is a good Chinese mythology take on the legend of Mulan but I feel like it could have been fleshed out more because I see so much potential in K. X. Song.