This was such a satisfying conclusion! The character growth and development was outstanding. I came away thinking that this was so well written and engaging. You really get a feel for Meilin as if she’s a flesh and blood woman with all the strengths and weaknesses a woman presented with power would have. What I also loved about this book was the ability to separate her from Mulan. I struggled with the first book a lot because I kept wishing she was the bad ass Mulan of legend. I could really let that connection go with this book and appreciate Meilin as her own complex character struggling with ambition, her love for two men, and her desire to do good in the world. Fantastic book!!!

Ehhh... this was fine. I found the magic and politics a little hard to follow at time. And although I love Lei, I don't really like what the author did with Sky's character.

Man,
I ate this book up. I was hoping for a happier ending for meilin but it doesn't truly fit her character anyway. Amazing book I can't wait to reread them both together!

Overall I enjoyed The dragon Wakes with Thunder more than the first! The sequel felt more original and more distinct identity as we moved further away from the initial Mulan comparisons. Plus we get more character development, action, and political intrigue than we did in the first book. For me the best part of the book was Meilin's journey and character development. Her growth in this book was great to see especially since she is dealing with betrayal, her power, and her relationships. This book does a better job of fleshing out her romantic relationships but they still seemed a little confusing at times. Her relationship with Sky was confusing at the beginning based on how the first book ended with him throwing her in prison but then immediately gets her out of prison and proposes at the start of book two. Now while we get more from the love triangle it still felt rushed at times. I'm not the biggest fan of love triangles but I never mind when it's the villain and the girl.

The stakes were higher in this book and I enjoyed the added suspense from the political tension throughout the book. I love the continued use of mythological elements and really enjoy the main character but wish the worldbuilding was more developed. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend to those who love fairytale retellings!

"The Dragon Wakes with Thunder" is the anticipated sequel to K. X. Song's "The Night Ends with Fire," continuing the reimagined legend of Mulan. Scheduled for release on August 19, 2025, this young adult fantasy novel delves deeper into the journey of Hai Meilin, a formidable warrior imbued with the power of the sea dragon Qinglong.

Following her pivotal role in securing victory for the kingdom of Anlai, Meilin faces imprisonment upon her return, her crime being the defiance of societal norms by wielding a sword as a woman. Within the palace, she becomes a pariah, yet beyond its walls, her legend inspires many. Meilin is soon sought after by various factions: a new rebel leader in the east, a former enemy prince in the south seeking balance for the Three Kingdoms, and Liu Sky, her commander and first love, who requires her support in his quest for the throne. Amid these external pressures, the sea dragon Qinglong has his own designs, reminding Meilin of the blood debt owed for the power she once harnessed.

I commend the novel for its compelling portrayal of Meilin's internal and external struggles. Highlighted the character's resilience and the intricate dynamics of loyalty, love, and personal agency. The narrative is noted for its blend of action, political intrigue, and mythological elements, offering a fresh perspective on the Mulan legend.

Overall, "The Dragon Wakes with Thunder" promises a rich continuation of Meilin's saga, exploring themes of identity, power, and destiny within a vividly crafted fantasy realm.

I had A LOT of fun with the first book in this series, though after finishing I started to see many flaws in the worldbuilding and plot structure. I wasn’t sure how I would fare with this sequel, since my recap was woefully lacking, but I was luckily able to find my footing in the story pretty quickly. Though I found myself not as invested as I was in the previous book. I had anticipated the love triangle swap but was surprised by how it came about, especially concerning Sky’s actions. I found myself skimming for large parts of this as the plot towards the final battle seemed a bit convoluted at times. Not sure how satisfied I am with the conclusion, and I wish Meilin and Lei’s ending was solidified a little more. The last few chapters seemed rushed.

Such a good sequel! Wrapped up everything from the first book (including details I almost forgot about) while also introducing and fleshing out important new characters. A satisfying conclusion!

The Dragon Wakes with Thunder is an engaging follow-up to The Night Ends with Fire, offering more character depth and political intrigue than the first installment in this series. Hai Meilin’s journey is compelling as she grapples with betrayal, shifting loyalties, and the consequences of wielding a power that both elevates and isolates her. This time, the novel does a better job of fleshing out Meilin’s relationships, particularly the romance, making their dynamics feel more organic. The political tension and the looming presence of Qinglong add layers of suspense.

The premise of this story was so compelling, after I requested the ARC I went back to read the first installment, which was not without it’s flaws. However, while this sequel improves on character development, some of the same issues from the first book persist. The worldbuilding still feels uneven, with inconsistent use of Chinese terminology that can be distracting rather than enriching. The names—like Liu Sky—continue to feel awkward and out of place, pulling the reader out of the immersion. Additionally, while the love triangle is more developed, some of the emotional beats feel rushed, with certain relationships progressing too quickly to be entirely believable. The pacing is also uneven, with some sections dragging while others rush through key plot points.

Despite these flaws, The Dragon Wakes with Thunder is an enjoyable read, especially for those invested in Meilin’s journey. The action is thrilling, the stakes are high, and the book offers a more distinct identity than its predecessor, moving further away from its initial Disney Mulan comparisons. While it still struggles with some worldbuilding and pacing issues, it remains a solid choice for fans of fierce heroines, political intrigue, and mythological elements. I think this is a great choice for YA/New Adult readers who enjoy fairytale retellings especially. Look for this on shelves on August 19, 2025!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Ace and NetGalley for this eARC.

She’s a total badass—fighting for her kingdom, only to be punished for being a woman who dares to wield a sword. The way she navigates betrayal, love, and her own inner struggles felt so real and empowering.

5/5 stars—highly recommend if you’re into fierce heroines.